Verge Labs launches AI tool to improve neurology trial patient selection after ALS setback

Verge Labs, formerly known as Verge Genomics, announced a new artificial intelligence model designed to address patient stratification challenges in neurology clinical trials. The company says the tool can help researchers identify suitable participants more efficiently, potentially reducing trial failures.

The firm originally focused on gene‑network research for neurodegenerative diseases and contributed two targets that Eli Lilly added to its internal pipeline in 2024. Its own ALS drug program, however, encountered a setback when a Phase 1b study failed last month, with about one third of participants withdrawing due to tolerability issues.

In response, Verge Labs repurposed data from the failed trial to create a benchmarking dataset for the AI model. By leveraging this information, the company aims to improve the design of future neurology studies and support other developers seeking better patient selection methods.