Cai Lei Shares Major Milestone: Over 50 Million Yuan Raised for Scientific Research in Just 20 Months

September 9 — According to recent media reports, ALS advocate Cai Lei has shared an inspiring update on his team’s scientific research contributions via social media.

Cai revealed that over the past one year and eight months, his team has provided more than 50 million yuan in external research funding. Detailed breakdowns are made publicly available each year through the official website and audited reports, and he noted that the actual total investment far exceeds this figure.

Looking ahead, Cai pledged to continue supporting dozens of research projects spanning a wide range of fields, including brain science and neurological disorders, muscular diseases, immunology, metabolomics, proteomics, genomics and transcriptomics, stem cells, mitochondria, acoustics–optics–electromagnetics, CDMO, CRO, artificial intelligence, and traditional medicine. He warmly welcomed scientists, doctors, and professionals in these areas to stay engaged, and expressed deep gratitude for their dedication to defeating diseases and saving lives.

In January 2024, Cai and his wife announced an additional 100 million yuan donation to advance basic research, drug development, and clinical care for ALS. “While individual strength has its limits,” Cai remarked, “with full commitment, we can achieve goals that once seemed out of reach.”

Diagnosed with ALS in 2019, Cai faces a relentless neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive muscle atrophy, stiffness, and eventual respiratory failure. Although progression rates vary among patients, the condition is ultimately fatal. Unlike Alzheimer’s disease, ALS typically spares higher cognitive functions, allowing patients to remain mentally sharp, retaining memory, personality, and intellect even in the later stages.