March 19 (Reuters) - Seelos Therapeutics' experimental drug for a neurological disorder called ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, failed to meet the main goal in a mid-stage trial, the company said on Tuesday.

Shares of the company plunged 51% to 44 cents in trading before the bell.

The drug, SLS-005, did not show statistical significance in improving function and mortality during the trial.

ALS is a rare disease that can affect nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord responsible for muscle movements, leading to progressive paralysis and death. (Reporting by Christy Santhosh; Editing by Savio D'Souza and Shailesh Kuber)