After almost two decades of research, Australian researchers have made a breakthrough in the fight against Motor Neurone Disease.

A trial of 32 patients in Sydney and Melbourne showed progression had been slowed by 70 per cent after six months.

A new drug delays motor neurone disease progression and improves cognitive and clinical symptoms according to trial results announced by a spin-out company from the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and the University of Melbourne.

A new drug developed by scientists at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience, and the School of Chemistry and Bio21 Institute at the University of Melbourne has dramatically improved clinical and cognitive symptoms of motor neurone disease, also called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

More than 2000 Australians live with the illness.

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a progressive neurological condition that attacks the motor neurones, or nerves, in the brain and spinal cord. This means messages gradually stop reaching the muscles, which leads to weakness and wasting.

MND can affect how you walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe. However, not all symptoms necessarily happen to everyone and it is unlikely they will all develop at the same time, or in any specific order.

The cause of MND is not known.

MND strikes people of all ages and currently there is no cure, however symptoms can be managed to help the person achieve the best possible quality of life.

Researchers have likened the breakthrough to the first use of chemotherapy to treat cancer.

Melbourne University neuroscientist Professor Peter Crouch talks to John Stanley saying there is still plenty of work to do.

“We’re not yet at a stage where if someone is diagnosed with this disease tomorrow, they’re not yet going to be prescribed this drug we’ve developed.

“We have just reached a very important milestone in the process which is developing drugs for diseases such as this one.”

Follow the link below to listen to the full interview

https://omny.fm/shows/the-ray-hadley-morning-show/major-mnd-drug-development-associate-professor-pet

 

Macquarie University’s Centre for MND Research Professor Dominic Rowe tells John Stanley phase one of the study has been completed.

“We’ve been able to show that for some people, this medication they can tolerate it and it hasn’t upset them too much.

“We’re very encouraged that for some people on the medication, we’re able to slow the rate of progression of Motor Neurone Disease.”

Follow the link below to listen to the full interview

https://omny.fm/shows/the-ray-hadley-morning-show/patients-trialed-on-breakthrough-mnd-drug-professo

 

The next trial, involving 80 patients in Australia and the US, is due to begin later this year.