News

Understanding tofersen (Qalsody) and SOD1-associated MND

Published: 10 August 2026

In this MND Australia webinar, CEO Clare Sullivan is joined by Professor Dominic Rowe, Professor of Neurology at Macquarie University, to discuss tofersen (Qalsody), the first gene-targeted treatment provisionally approved in Australia for adults with SOD1-associated MND.

Professor Rowe explains what SOD1-associated MND is, how tofersen works and what clinical trials and experience treating people with the therapy have taught us so far. The discussion also covers genetic testing and counselling, access to treatment in Australia, why response to tofersen can vary between people, and research investigating whether earlier treatment could change the course of SOD1-associated MND.

The webinar includes questions from the MND community on genetic testing, treatment, side effects and access, before looking more broadly at what gene-targeted therapies such as tofersen could mean for the future of MND research.

Tofersen works by targeting the production of SOD1 protein and is administered into the fluid around the spine by lumbar puncture. Available evidence indicates benefits for people with SOD1-associated MND, while research into its longer-term benefits and safety continues.