与蔡磊的特殊“对话”：放弃一切商业利益，但渐冻症科研需要商业逻辑

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the ongoing struggle of a former executive, Cai Lei, who is battling ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) while advocating for increased attention and funding for ALS research, emphasizing the need for sustainable scientific collaboration and commercial logic in rare disease research [1][3][4]. Group 1: Personal Experience and Advocacy - Cai Lei's health has deteriorated significantly, with his ALS functional rating score dropping from 48 to single digits, indicating he is in the terminal stage of the disease [1][5]. - He expresses concern that interest in ALS research may wane after his passing, similar to the decline in attention following the "Ice Bucket Challenge" in 2014 [3][4]. - Despite his condition, Cai Lei continues to advocate for ALS research, stating that he will fight until his last day [4][1]. Group 2: Research and Funding - Cai Lei's team has invested over 80 million yuan (approximately 11.2 million USD) in research over the past two years, primarily funded through live-streaming revenues [2][7]. - The team has successfully facilitated clinical breakthroughs for 15 drug pipelines and treatment plans, demonstrating a significant increase in research output and collaboration efficiency [2][11]. - Cai Lei emphasizes the importance of commercial logic in driving ALS research, noting that traditional funding sources are often hesitant to invest in high-risk, early-stage research [2][8]. Group 3: Collaborative Network and Research Efficiency - The team has established a global scientific collaboration network, involving hundreds of top scientists across various fields, to enhance research efficiency and support [9][10]. - This network operates as a "research accelerator," focusing on providing resources and support to scientists, thereby increasing the speed and effectiveness of research initiatives [9][10]. - The team aims to create a sustainable ecosystem for ALS research, prioritizing the needs of scientists and facilitating rapid project funding and execution [10][9]. Group 4: Future Directions and Technological Integration - Cai Lei advocates for the integration of advanced technologies, such as AI and gene therapy, to revolutionize ALS research and treatment [15][16]. - The team is working on developing an "ALS AI Research Brain," which aims to enhance research capabilities and identify potential therapeutic pathways for ALS [15][16]. - There is a call for more top scientists to engage in ALS research, focusing on breakthrough drug discovery and collaborative efforts to overcome key research bottlenecks [14][15].