From October 28 to 31, 2025, the SMART Symposium: Conquering Challenges in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Related Neuromuscular Diseases was successfully held in Guangming District, Shenzhen. The symposium was jointly initiated and organized by ProfessorXiaojangLiof Jinan University, researchers from Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Professor Aaron Gitler of Stanford University, and Professor ShuyingSunof Johns Hopkins University.
Neuromuscular diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pose a global challenge to human health and the medical community. Millions of people are diagnosed with these diseases annually, yet effective treatments remain elusive. Through emerging cross-disciplinary collaborations, researchers have made significant advances in areas like antisense oligonucleotides, with related therapies now entering clinical applications. This symposium aimed to bring together academic, clinical, and industry experts in ALS and other neuromuscular diseases. Through in-depth exchanges and intellectual collaboration, participants explored innovative pathways to overcome these major therapeutic challenges.
The conference features a special “Fighting ALS” segment, kicked off by Dan Doctoroff—former New York City Deputy Mayor and founder of the U.S.-based Target ALS Foundation—and Chinese ALS fighterLeiCai, delivering a powerful message of resilience to the global ALS community. The conference gathered leading scholars and pioneering researchers in the field, including over thirty speakers such as keynote presenters Professor Jeffrey Rothstein from Johns Hopkins University, Professor Don Cleveland from the University of California, San Diego, and Academician Yuan Junying from the Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry. Over three days, they engaged in in-depth discussions spanning the entire innovation chain—from fundamental disease mechanisms to clinical translational therapies. Amidst the symphony of science and vitality, global forces combating ALS converged here, taking a resolute step toward a shared goal.
The conference featured dedicated sessions for young scholars to present short reports. Emerging scientists from institutions including The University of Hong Kong, Southern University of Science and Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, and Ractigen Therapeutics showcased their pioneering work in disease mechanisms, drug delivery, and technological innovation. A poster session further fostered lively on-site exchanges. Three Best Poster Awards were ultimately selected to encourage the rapid growth of the next generation of scientific talent.
This symposium not only comprehensively showcased the latest advances and future directions in ALS and related neuromuscular disease research but also successfully established a high-level international exchange platform. It facilitated collaborative intentions among multiple research teams, paving the way for joint efforts to tackle the challenges of ALS treatment. The conference earned unanimous praise from global experts for its exceptional depth of exchange. Attendees acknowledged that the path to conquering such complex diseases remains long, but emphasized that sustained global scientific collaboration and coordinated innovation will undoubtedly bring new hope to patients worldwide.
