--- title: "Research Connection Leads Patient to Enroll in ALS Trial | Sutter Health" description: "Vladimir Diaz-Ochoa, Ph.D., a scientist specializing in microbiology and immunology, is enrolled in a clinical trial at CPMC." url: "https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/research-connection-leads-patient-to-enroll-in-als-trial-2023563950" --- 1. [Home](https://www.sutterhealth.org/) / 2. [Patient Stories](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories) / 3. Research Connection Leads Patient to Enroll in ALS Trial # Research Connection Leads Patient to Enroll in ALS Trial California Pacific Medical Center * * * 2023 Contributor: [Jonathan Katz](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-jonathan-s-katz-1046237524) When Vladimir Diaz-Ochoa, Ph.D., a scientist specializing in microbiology and immunology was diagnosed last year with a progressive neurodegenerative disease, the importance of medical research became even more personal. Muscle spasms and weakness in his fingers prompted the 42-year-old Woodland, Calif., resident to seek medical care at Sutter Davis Hospital, where he was referred to specialists at Sutter’s California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC) in San Francisco. ![Middle-aged man in a pink shirt from waist up stands outside. He is smiling.](http://a.mktgcdn.com/p/8H7AncGyLJwJg1fgEBuNuVcqdgX3RrClzJl-QfYPZv8/320x233.jpg) Vladimir Diaz-Ochoa, Ph.D., is enrolled in a Phase 3 clinical trial called Phoenix. The study is testing the effectiveness and safety of a new drug called Relyvrio™ for the treatment of ALS. [Dr. Jonathan Katz](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-doctor/dr-jonathan-s-katz) , a neurologist at CPMC’s [Forbes Norris MDA/ALS Research and Treatment Center](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/neuroscience/forbes-norris-mda-als-center-cpni) , performed an EMG (electromyography) and confirmed the diagnosis of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)—a rare illness that affects motor neuron nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. When the motor neurons die, the brain’s ability to start and control muscle movement is lost, causing symptoms such as muscle twitching and weakness in a limb or slurred speech. Eventually, ALS affects control of the muscles needed to move, speak, eat and breathe. “I had begun searching for news of drugs or other therapies that might help slow the progression of my disease,” says Diaz-Ochoa. Dr. Katz, who is part of the Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation, counselled him that ALS remains an illness without a cure. With only two drugs (Rilutek® and Radicava®) approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Dr. Katz advised Diaz-Ochoa that an investigational drug being tested in a clinical trial might help slow the progression of his ALS. “The most pressing challenge in treating ALS is finding a medication that addresses the biologic processes driving disease-related neurodegeneration,” says Dr. Katz. “Previously approved treatments have limited effectiveness in halting the persistent degeneration of motor nerves in the brain and spinal cord associated with ALS.” Dr. Katz suggested Diaz-Ochoa consider enrolling in a Phase 3 clinical trial called [Phoenix](https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05021536) . The study is testing the effectiveness and safety of a new drug called Relyvrio™. Manufactured by Amylyx Pharmaceuticals Inc., Relyvrio works to help prevent motor neurons from dying. It was [approved by the FDA](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-treatment-option-patients-als) in September 2022 based on data from a Phase 2 clinical trial called [Centaur](https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03127514) in which study participants took a placebo or Relyvrio for 24 weeks. Results showed a 25% slower decline in physical functioning for patients receiving the treatment. “This new drug may allow patients to move, function and communicate more independently for longer, especially if taken early in the course of the disease,” says Dr. Katz. Research at CPMC contributed to the FDA’s approval of the drug. Diaz-Ochoa made a quick decision: the travel to San Francisco would be worth the opportunity to participate in the clinical trial of a drug that might slow the progression of his illness and ease his symptoms. A father of two children, aged 8 and 5 years, the possibility of life-extending treatment was also top of mind for the scientist. “I truly appreciate healthcare sites like Sutter’s Forbes Norris MDA/ALS Research and Treatment Center that are bringing research and clinical trials to the forefront of medical care and which provide new hope for cure,” says Diaz-Ochoa. “I was honored to join the clinical trial and contribute to the cutting-edge science that helped usher in a novel treatment for ALS.” Diaz-Ochoa is now being treated with Relyvrio™. As part of his participation in the Phoenix clinical trial, he will be monitored by his doctors closely over the next several months to help determine an ongoing, effective and safe treatment plan. Find this and more [clinical trials](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research/clinical-trials) at Sutter Health. ## Discover similar stories Choose a service topic below to read more stories like this one. [Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories?verticalKey=patient_story&facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_services.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Amyotrophic+lateral+sclerosis+%28ALS%29%22%5D%7D%5D)[Neuroscience](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories?verticalKey=patient_story&facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_services.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Neuroscience%22%5D%7D%5D) ## Let Us Ease Your Mind Our neuroscience teams provide specialized, patient-centered care using the most advanced treatments. [Request a Referral](https://www.sutterhealth.org/referrals) ## Meet our care team ![Jonathan S. Katz, M.D.](https://a.mktgcdn.com/p/8e7yVq0qYXDWolVGaRzRjpJcqUs0uveQ8xb8bv9Suwo/480x480.jpg) [Jonathan S. Katz, M.D.](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-jonathan-s-katz-1046237524) Neurology ## Related articles [View all articles](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories) - Patient story ### [New study of targeted ALS drug brings hope to Sutter patient](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/new-study-of-targeted-als-drug-brings-hope-to-sutter-patient-1042868306) Sutter Health patient Vashti Ross describes how research at Sutter is helping pioneer the future of care for people with ALS. - Patient story ### [Vagus Nerve Stimulation Aims to Restore Post-Stroke Mobility](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/vagus-nerve-stimulation-aims-to-restore-post-stroke-mobility-2023453248) Kendall Patton was the first Sutter patient to receive a vagus nerve stimulator, a device that helps his brain relearn motor skills. - Patient story ### [Sutter Patient Advocates for MS Research and Clinical Trials](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/sutter-patient-advocates-for-ms-research-and-clinical-trials-2023563920) Pamela Swint began experiencing symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2019 and joined a clinical trial. [View all articles](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories) ## Disclaimer _Each individual’s treatment and/or results may vary based upon circumstances and the healthcare provider’s medical judgment. Testimonials or statements made by any person(s) within this site are not intended to guarantee outcomes or substitute for medical advice._ ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"MedicalOrganization","name":"Sutter Health","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/#medicalorganization","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org","logo":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/static/images/sutter-health-logo.svg","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"2200 River Plaza Drive","addressLocality":"Sacramento","addressRegion":"CA","postalCode":"95833","addressCountry":"US"},"areaServed":{"@type":"AdministrativeArea","name":"California"},"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/SutterHealth","https://www.instagram.com/sutterhealth/","https://x.com/SutterHealth","https://www.youtube.com/sutterhealth","https://www.linkedin.com/company/sutter-health","https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutter_Health"]} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/research-connection-leads-patient-to-enroll-in-als-trial-2023563950#breadcrumblist","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Patient Stories","item":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Research Connection Leads Patient to Enroll in ALS Trial"}]} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Article","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/research-connection-leads-patient-to-enroll-in-als-trial-2023563950#article","name":"Research Connection Leads Patient to Enroll in ALS Trial","headline":"Research Connection Leads Patient to Enroll in ALS Trial","abstract":"Vladimir Diaz-Ochoa, Ph.D., a scientist specializing in microbiology and immunology, is enrolled in a clinical trial at CPMC.","description":"Vladimir Diaz-Ochoa, Ph.D., a scientist specializing in microbiology and immunology, is enrolled in a clinical trial at CPMC.","keywords":["Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)","Neuroscience","Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)"],"datePublished":"2023-01-17","dateModified":"2026-01-22","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/research-connection-leads-patient-to-enroll-in-als-trial-2023563950","inLanguage":"en-US","isAccessibleForFree":true,"mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/research-connection-leads-patient-to-enroll-in-als-trial-2023563950","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/research-connection-leads-patient-to-enroll-in-als-trial-2023563950#breadcrumblist"}},"author":{"@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/#medicalorganization"},"publisher":{"@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/#medicalorganization"},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://dyn.mktgcdn.com/p/jE60dXR5Aiuuo20uAPVYxt-oDJ5tA-1PgF5Ip-9PDog/fit=crop,gravity=auto,width=1200,height=630"},"articleBody":"When Vladimir Diaz-Ochoa, Ph.D., a scientist specializing in microbiology and immunology was diagnosed last year with a progressive neurodegenerative disease, the importance of medical research became even more personal. Muscle spasms and weakness in his fingers prompted the 42-year-old Woodland, Calif., resident to seek medical care at Sutter Davis Hospital, where he was referred to specialists at Sutter’s California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC) in San Francisco. Vladimir Diaz-Ochoa, Ph.D., is enrolled in a Phase 3 clinical trial called Phoenix. The study is testing the effectiveness and safety of a new drug called Relyvrio™ for the treatment of ALS. Dr. Jonathan Katz, a neurologist at CPMC’s Forbes Norris MDA/ALS Research and Treatment Center, performed an EMG (electromyography) and confirmed the diagnosis of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)—a rare illness that affects motor neuron nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. When the motor neurons die, the brain’s ability to start and control muscle movement is lost, causing symptoms such as muscle twitching and weakness in a limb or slurred speech. Eventually, ALS affects control of the muscles needed to move, speak, eat and breathe. “I had begun searching for news of drugs or other therapies that might help slow the progression of my disease,” says Diaz-Ochoa. Dr. Katz, who is part of the Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation, counselled him that ALS remains an illness without a cure. With only two drugs (Rilutek® and Radicava®) approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Dr. Katz advised Diaz-Ochoa that an investigational drug being tested in a clinical trial might help slow the progression of his ALS. “The most pressing challenge in treating ALS is finding a medication that addresses the biologic processes driving disease-related neurodegeneration,” says Dr. Katz. “Previously approved treatments have limited effectiveness in halting the persistent degeneration of motor nerves in the brain and spinal cord associated with ALS.” Dr. Katz suggested Diaz-Ochoa consider enrolling in a Phase 3 clinical trial called Phoenix. The study is testing the effectiveness and safety of a new drug called Relyvrio™. Manufactured by Amylyx Pharmaceuticals Inc., Relyvrio works to help prevent motor neurons from dying. It was approved by the FDA in September 2022 based on data from a Phase 2 clinical trial called Centaur in which study participants took a placebo or Relyvrio for 24 weeks. Results showed a 25% slower decline in physical functioning for patients receiving the treatment. “This new drug may allow patients to move, function and communicate more independently for longer, especially if taken early in the course of the disease,” says Dr. Katz. Research at CPMC contributed to the FDA’s approval of the drug. Diaz-Ochoa made a quick decision: the travel to San Francisco would be worth the opportunity to participate in the clinical trial of a drug that might slow the progression of his illness and ease his symptoms. A father of two children, aged 8 and 5 years, the possibility of life-extending treatment was also top of mind for the scientist. “I truly appreciate healthcare sites like Sutter’s Forbes Norris MDA/ALS Research and Treatment Center that are bringing research and clinical trials to the forefront of medical care and which provide new hope for cure,” says Diaz-Ochoa. “I was honored to join the clinical trial and contribute to the cutting-edge science that helped usher in a novel treatment for ALS.” Diaz-Ochoa is now being treated with Relyvrio™. As part of his participation in the Phoenix clinical trial, he will be monitored by his doctors closely over the next several months to help determine an ongoing, effective and safe treatment plan. Find this and more clinical trials at Sutter Health.","mentions":[{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-jonathan-s-katz-1046237524#Person","name":"Jonathan S. Katz, M.D."}]} ```