First of all, because of the length of time that I have had ALS, I no longer qualify for research trials. That in itself is a little frustrating for me, personally, because the only known drug at the current time that is known to slow down the progression of ALS is a drug called Rilutek or riluzole, and even that, Patrick, only reduces the timeframe by approximately 15%.
Now, Dr. Lorne Zinman, who heads the ALS clinic at Sunnybrook, in conjunction with all other ALS clinics in Canada is actively in the process of researching. They had tried lithium, and unfortunately it proved to not be conducive to ALS symptoms, but they are currently looking at a variety of trials and with a placebo being used within these groups. Usually it's also in conjunction with other ALS clinics throughout North America.
I always feel that because of the small number of ALS clients—I mentioned in my presentation there are 2,500, as opposed to the 100,000 Parkinson's or MS clients—we ought not to be forgotten in the way of research funds.
I really hope that the committee can see a way of advancing additional funds for research, which is badly needed in the ALS community.