The ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) is proud to announce that it will lead all research operations for Champion Insights—a new study planned to launch this fall in partnership with Answer ALS and Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS. This effort aims to uncover critical genetic and metabolic factors that may help explain the significantly higher incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) among endurance athletes, military service members, and other potentially high-risk groups. By studying these populations, Champion Insights seeks to deepen our understanding of ALS and help pave the way for more effective treatments.

While the causes of sporadic ALS remain largely unknown, compelling research consistently points to a 25% higher incidence of the disease in groups like elite athletes and military members compared to the general population. This elevated risk is starkly highlighted by recent European studies, which observed professional soccer players developing ALS at a significantly younger age and with a substantially higher risk. Champion Insights will conduct an in-depth study of these populations to identify potential genetic anomalies and biological mechanisms that may increase susceptibility and trigger the onset of the disease.

Fernando Vieira, M.D., CEO and CSO of ALS TDI, highlighted Champion Insights’ transformative potential: 

“To solve ALS, research must prioritize the specific genetic and metabolic pathways with potential to distinguish certain populations. Champion Insights does exactly this. By allowing higher-risk groups such as elite athletes and military personnel to participate remotely, we can rapidly generate actionable data on metabolic profiles, genetics, and ALS. This innovative approach will meaningfully accelerate therapeutic discovery.”

Former NFL athlete Steve Gleason, founder of Answer ALS and Team Gleason, which provides critical equipment and services to the ALS community, will be the first to participate, remotely giving a blood sample to officially launch the initiative. 

“Understanding ALS requires fundamentally rethinking how research is done,” Gleason explained. “By empowering people to conveniently participate from home, Champion Insights can hopefully unravel why elite athletes and high performers are disproportionately impacted. It's precisely the kind of science we can't afford to overlook. I’m giving my blood and self to be participant #1, but because I ordinarily prefer #37, I’m challenging 36 more former athletes, military members, and adrenaline-driven humans with ALS to join me.”

Like the ongoing ARC Study, Champion Insights will collect a broad range of genetic, clinical, and molecular (“omics”) data—contributing to the overall understanding of ALS. However, it will not duplicate ARC’s work. Instead, Champion Insights is designed to complement it by gathering highly-specific information relevant to these higher-risk groups, such as detailed histories of physical training, competition, and occupational demands.

“Augie Nieto believed the most meaningful progress starts with motivation and passion,” said Shannon K. Shryne, President and Co-Founder of Augie’s Quest. “As both an athlete and a visionary in the fitness world, he pushed for approaches that challenged convention and aimed higher. Champion Insights reflects that spirit — targeting the deeper biological patterns that may explain ALS risk in communities like the one Augie belonged to. Our mission is to make sure bold ideas like this have the support they need to go the distance.”

“As an aviator, we trained to operate at our best, physically, mentally, and professionally. That relentless pursuit of excellence is something we take pride in. Now, science is beginning to uncover that some of the same traits that drive high performers, whether in the military, athletics, or beyond, may also be linked to increased ALS risk. That’s why Champion Insights is so important. It can help us explore the ‘why’ to unlock answers. We owe it to every warrior, competitor, and teammate impacted by ALS to keep searching,” said Matt Bellina, retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander and person living with ALS.

All Champion Insights data will be shared with researchers worldwide through Answer ALS’s Neuromine Data Portal—the world’s largest openly accessible ALS research repository. ALS TDI began sharing ARC Study data with Neuromine in 2025, and Champion Insights will add critical new layers of biological, clinical, and genetic information to accelerate global ALS research collaboration.

Clare Durrett, Managing Director of Answer ALS, highlighted the strategic importance of this comprehensive approach:

“The mysteries of ALS will only be answered by asking precisely the right questions, to precisely the right populations,” said Durrett. “Champion Insights brings together advanced genomic science, detailed natural history, and a wide array of omics, combined with seamless remote-participation technology, into a single, streamlined initiative. This accelerates our ability to understand and ultimately disrupt the mechanisms behind ALS.” 

The anticipated start date for recruiting participants is November 2025 and the study aims to enroll 500 people. Elite athletes and military service members diagnosed with ALS who are interested in participating or learning more about Champion Insights can visit ChampionInsights.org. 



What to Do Next:

  • To learn more about Champion Insights, visit ChampionInsights.org.
  • For answers to frequently asked questions about Champion Insights, visit the FAQ page.
  • To learn more about ALS TDI's ARC Study, visit als.net/arc.