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ALS Warrior Works 12-Hour Days in Final Fight
21 Jun
Summary
- Former JD.com executive Cai Lei battles incurable motor neurone disease.
- He works 12-hour days on ALS drug development despite terminal illness.
- Cai has donated over 100 million yuan to ALS research and funds.
Cai Lei, a former vice-president at JD.com, is working tirelessly to find a cure for motor neurone disease (ALS) during his terminal illness. Having battled the condition for seven years, Cai, now 48, is completely immobile and unable to speak, relying on eye-tracking technology to communicate. He dedicates nearly 12 hours each day to advancing ALS drug development.
Despite his physical limitations, Cai has donated over 100 million yuan (US$15 million) to ALS research. He chairs Beijing Aisikang Medical Technology and has established four charitable funds. His team is advancing over 300 drug programs, with experimental drug RAG-17 showing promise in trials.
China faces around 200,000 ALS patients who are often vulnerable to scams. Cai's team created an online platform to connect patients directly with carers, improving transparency. His wife, Duan Rui, also actively supports research efforts, cherishing every moment with him as he races against time.
