Ontario researchers have made a major breakthrough in the race to cure ALS. Here's what they found

A team of researchers at Western University have made a major breakthrough that could pave the way to a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) — a devastating nervous system disease that kills roughly 80 per cent of those afflicted within two to five years.

The scientists are optimistic their treatment could reach clinical trials in the next five years, aided by a $10 million donation from the Temerty Foundation. No cure exists for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease; current treatments can only slow its progression.