The modest effect of FDA-approved therapeutics for ALS [riluzole, edaravone and nuedexta; e.g. Lacomblez et al. 1996; Smith et al. 2017)] and the failure of the majority of repurposed pharmaceutical [e.g. dexpramipexole, coenzyme Q10, erythropoietin, ceftriaxone; see e.g. Berry et al. 2013; Cudkowicz et al. 1997; Ferrante et al. 2005)] highlight the need to identify and evaluate novel compounds to treat ALS. Here, EPO is linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.