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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as "Lou Gehrig's disease," is a degenerative neurological disorder without a cure. For reasons that are not well understood, the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement gradually deteriorate. ALS can be difficult to diagnose because the initial symptoms are both subtle and vague and can be attributed to a number of other conditions. Average life expectancy after diagnosis ranges between 3 to 5 years from the onset of symptoms. It is estimated that 5-10% of all ALS cases are inherited (familial disease) while the remaining 90-95% are sporadic, with unknown etiology and risk factors. There is currently no known cure or therapy to effectively halt the progression of ALS. Evidence from scientific research suggests a mutually inclusive relationship between ALS and military service, with a higher rate of incidence in the Veteran population, without any known reason(s) for this incidence.

The ALSRP is guided by a vision to improve treatment and find a cure for ALS. Through its award mechanisms and funding recommendations, the ALSRP specifically supports innovative preclinical research targeting development of new therapeutics for ALS.