Here you can find the latest MND research news from around the world. Stay tuned to find out about clinical trial outcomes, breakthroughs in the lab, interesting research papers and more.
Masitinib receives negative opinion from European Medicines Agency Committee
28 June 2024
The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has announced a negative opinion for the conditional approval of Masitinib for the treatment of MND. The CHMP panel reviews the scientific evidence and forms an opinion on whether new drugs should be approved in the EU. The committee based their review on data from the phase 2 trial. AB Science, the pharmaceutical company behind Masitinib, have announced that they will request a re-examination. This process will take approximately 4 months. You can read more in a press release.
The EMA determines approvals for the EU. After Brexit, a new process (known as the International Recognition Procedure) has been put into place so that the regulator for Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland), known as the Medicines Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) may rely on a decision taken by other international regulators, such as the EMA, on the approval of new treatments.
A phase 3 trial of Masitinib is currently underway. You can find out more about Masitinib on our website.
Top line results of Phase 2a trial of Bravyl for MND announced
24 June 2024
Woolsey Pharmaceuticals have announced the initial results of a small phase 2a trial of Bravyl. People with MND have been shown to have higher levels of Rho kinase (ROCK) in their blood. Rho kinase plays an important role in regulating the shape, movement and growth of cells, as well as contributing to cell death and inflammatory processes. Bravyl is a Rho kinase inhibitor, which means it aims to reduce the levels of ROCK and could potentially slow neurodegeneration. The trial was open label, where all 31 participants received the possible treatment over 24 weeks.
The drug was found to be safe and well tolerated in people with MND. The study monitored levels of a marker of motor neuron damage, known as neurofilament light chain, and found after 6 months, levels were 15% lower compared to levels before the start of the study. Lower levels suggest that the disease is less active and hints at a slowing in disease progression. This potential slowing in disease progression was also shown in other measures, such as measures of respiratory function and muscle strength. You can find out more about the results here.
This study shows promising results, but the potential treatment was only tested in a small group of participants and there was no placebo group to compare results. Further testing is needed in a larger, placebo-controlled trial to find out if Bravyl is an effective treatment for MND.
Sano Genetics launch a new MND genetic testing and research initiative in the UK
12 June 2024
Sano Genetics have launched a new initiative called ‘Light The Way’ which is an online platform offering support for people diagnosed with or at risk of developing MND. It has interactive educational resources to help people to better understand the genetic links to MND, as well as offering genetic testing and counselling to a small number of people affected. Genetic counselling can help people to make a decision on whether they want to undergo genetic testing and explain the meaning of results if testing is done.
The platform also includes peer-to-peer support groups so that people can talk to others who are or have been in a similar situation to themselves. This peer and counselling support is available during and after the testing process. People will also be given the opportunity to take part in research studies and the ‘Light The Way’ team are conducting a study as part of this programme. The study, called Beacon, will collect information on the wellbeing of people over 9 months. This will help to improve understanding of the psychological impact of genetic testing and risk. You can find out more about it here.
Researchers uncover more about the role of FUS protein in MND and Frontotemporal dementia (FTD)
11 June 2024
Researchers at the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research have shed more light on the role that a protein called FUS might play in some cases of MND. The FUS protein can become faulty in some forms of MND and FTD and forms toxic clumps in the neurons. This new study has revealed more information on how these clumps of FUS behave in the diseases. The researchers injected clumps of FUS into mice who had been engineered to make the human form of the FUS protein.
They found that the injected toxic clumps of FUS caused further clumping of FUS within the neurons and that this spread to other areas of the brain. The spread of FUS clumps contributed to cell damage and cognitive and behavioural changes in the mice. This suggests that clumps of human FUS protein can cause the formation of other clumps in cells, like a domino effect, and these can spread throughout the brain to cause damage to neurons. Further research is needed to understand more about how and why FUS spreads throughout areas of the brain to discover whether the spread, and damage to the cells, can be stopped or delayed. You can read more about this here.
New top line results of a phase 1 trial of CTLA4-Ig and interleukin-2 for MND announced
10 June 2024
Coya Therapeutics have announced the initial results of a small phase 1 trial of a combination of two compounds called CTLA4-Ig and interleukin-2. The potential treatment is thought to help reduce inflammation in the brain by promoting anti-inflammatory behaviour of immune cells called T-regs. It was tested in an open label study, where everyone received the possible treatment, in 4 people with MND. Participants were given the drugs every 2 weeks for a total of 48 weeks.
The drugs were found to be safe and well tolerated by people with MND. The anti-inflammatory functions of the T-regs were found to increase throughout the trial, before dropping to normal levels 6 weeks after the last treatment. During the 48 weeks of treatment, the change in ALSFRS-R score was on average -0.13 points/month which suggests that the potential treatment might help to slow disease progression. The study also looked at biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation and motor neuron damage (neurofilament light chain). These were all found to decrease in most participants during the study. This provides further evidence to suggest that the combination therapy might be beneficial for people with MND. You can find out more about the results here.
This study shows promising results but it only tested the possible treatment in 4 people with MND and there was no placebo group in this trial to compare results. It suggests that further testing is needed in a larger, placebo controlled trial to find out whether it may be an effective treatment for MND.
Research finds the MIF protein might slow disease progression in MND
06 June 2024
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel have shown that increasing levels of a protein called MIF (macrophage migration inhibitory factor) might be able to slow disease progression. Previous research has suggested that MIF blocks clumps of toxic SOD1 protein forming in SOD1 MND. In this study, the team tested the effects of increasing the MIF protein in mice with SOD1 MND. MIF levels were increased by injecting the gene into the blood of the mice so that the gene could be taken up by cells of the nervous system. This gene was used to make more MIF protein in neurons.
The study found that mice treated with the gene showed preserved muscle strength and motor function, slower disease progression, and extended survival compared to untreated mice. The scientists then also looked at MIF levels in motor neurons made from stem cells of people with different gene changes linked to MND. They found that MIF levels were decreased in the different types of MND and not just SOD1 MND. This suggests that lower levels of MIF might play a role in the disease for most people with MND. Further research is needed to fully uncover how increased MIF slows disease progression and how the findings might be used to develop new potential treatments for MND. You can read more about the study here.
Biogen announces the approval of Tofersen by the European Commission
30 May 2024
The European commission has granted a marketing authorisation for Tofersen for the treatment of SOD1 MND. Following a positive opinion from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in February, the European Commission have made the final decision to approve the treatment. This approval was based on data collected from the Phase 3 VALOR study and open label extension.
Tofersen, also known as QALSODY, has been approved under exceptional circumstances. This route is used when the benefit of a treatment is found to be positive but the data may not be enough for full approval, due to the rare nature of the disease.
This means that people with SOD1 MND in the EU will soon be able to access Tofersen. Biogen, the company behind the drug, are working with clinicians and local authorities to bring the treatment to people in the EU as quickly as possible. You can read more about this in a press release.
Tofersen is not currently available in the UK and it is still being assessed by NICE, who advise whether a new treatment should be made available on the NHS.
Online platform to support carers of MND moves closer to testing
20 May 2024
Researchers from the University of East Anglia, and supported by the MND Association, have completed a feasibility study of an online platform which aims to support carers of people with MND who have behavioural symptoms. Changes in behaviour can happen in around 50 - 75% of people with MND and negatively impact the wellbeing of their carers. The MiNDToolkit is an online platform aimed at supporting carers in managing behavioural symptoms in MND.
There have not been any other research studies investigating a platform in managing behavioural symptoms for carers of people with MND. Therefore, researchers conducted a feasibility study to help check how feasible it would be to undertake a randomised control trial, which is needed to determine how beneficial the platform is. The study had high retention, with over 80% completing the study. Additionally, the platform had high engagement and was well accepted by carers. The researchers stated that based off this data, the MiNDToolkit should be tested in a randomised clinical trial to determine how effective it is for carers. This study will also help to design the trial to hopefully increase its chance of success. You can read more here.
Results of Phase 1/2 trial for BIIB105 announced
16 May 2024
Ionis Pharmaceuticals and Biogen have announced that the topline results of the phase 1/2 trial of BIIB105. Based on the data from the trial, Ionis and Biogen have decided to stop the development of BIIB105.
BIIB105 was designed to reduce levels of ataxin-2. Previous research has shown ataxin-2 helps to drive the formation of toxic clumps of TDP-43, which are found in 97% of all MND cases. BIIB105 was found to reduce the levels of ataxin-2, however it was not found to have any clinical benefits to people with MND. Levels of a marker of nerve damage (neurofilament light chain) were also not reduced, suggesting that BIIB105 did not reduce damage to motor neurones. You can read more here.
Researchers identify new potential target for MND therapy
15 May 2024
Researchers at Western University, in Canada, have found that a protein called NF242 can interact with another important protein in MND called TDP-43. When these proteins interact with each other, in models of MND, they were shown to reduce damage to motor neurons.
TDP-43 is found to be abnormal in around 97% of people with MND. It forms toxic clumps which leads to motor neuron damage and death. Researchers have theorised that reducing the toxicity of TDP-43 could slow disease progression. This research shows that NF242 could be useful in reducing TDP-43 toxicity and potentially be beneficial for people with MND. Further research is now needed to continue to test NF242 and its potential benefit. You can read more here.
New psychological therapy shows promise in improving quality of life for people with MND
10 May 2024
Researchers from the University of Sheffield and University College London have found a new psychological intervention improves quality of life for people with MND when used alongside existing care. The new intervention, called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), combines aspects of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with acceptance and mindfulness-based strategies. ACT helps people to learn new ways of handling distressing thoughts and feelings.
191 participants were enrolled into the study and were randomly assigned to receive either ACT plus usual care or just usual care. The trial found ACT and usual care together maintained or improved the quality of life of people with MND after six and nine months compared to those who only received usual care. You can read more about the results in a press release.
The MND Association is now committing to facilitate ACT training for psychologists who work with people with MND. You can read more here.
Wearable sensors could help monitor MND disease progression
6 April 2024
Researchers from the University Medical Centre Utrecht have found that data from wearable sensors could be used to predict disease progression and survival. In the study, people with MND wore a sensor on their hips, for three to seven days. This was then repeated every two to three months for up to 18 - 24 months. The researchers suggest this study provides evidence to support the use of wearable sensors in clinical trials, to help monitor any treatment effects. However, they suggest that wearable sensors could not be used on their own, and could only be used to help support other measures of disease progression.
Using wearable sensors allows for additional data to be collected at home, rather than in the clinic, which may enhance the detection of treatment effects. You can read more here.
Amylyx to voluntarily remove AMX0035 from the market
4 April 2024
Based on the negative results from the Phase 3 clinical trial (PHOENIX), Amylyx have decided to voluntarily discontinue the marketing authorisations for AMX0035 (also known as RELYVRIO and ALBRIOZA) in the US and Canada. AMX0035 is no longer available for new patients. Amylyx also announced that the open label extension from PHOENIX will continue, to allow for further data to be collected and analysed. You can read more in a press release.
AMX0035 was approved for use in the US and Canada in 2022, based on the data from the Phase 2 CENTAUR clinical trial. Earlier this year the European Medicines Agency recommended against the approval of AMX0035 in Europe. You can read more about AMX0035 here.
Phase 3 clinical trial of TUDCA does not meet primary endpoint
27 March 2024
The TUDCA consortium have announced that the phase 3 clinical trial of TUDCA did not meet its primary endpoint. The primary endpoint of the trial was to observe a greater than 20% reduction in the slope of the ALSFRS-R score after 18 months. This would indicate a reduction in disease progression. However, this was not achieved by the end of the study. A statistically significant difference between treatment and placebo groups was also not observed for survival and a marker of nerve damage, called neurofilament light chain. Reductions in this marker can indicate a reduction in damage to motor neurones. Read more in a press release and read our statement with MND Scotland and My Name’5 Doddie here.
Trehalose arm of the HEALEY Platform trial does not meet primary or secondary endpoints
19 March 2024
Top-line results from the trehalose regiment of the HEALEY Platform trial show that the trial did not meet its primary or secondary endpoints. This suggests that there was no significant change in ALSFRS-R scores (from baseline to 24 weeks) for those who received the treatment compared to those who received placebo (dummy drug). There were also no differences found in secondary endpoints, such as muscle function and respiratory measures. You can read more in a press release.
The HEALEY Platform trial is designed to accelerate the process of drug development and identifying effective treatments for MND by testing multiple drugs at the same time and being able to easily remove drugs that are not found to be beneficial and to quickly add new drugs for investigation.
Phase 3 clinical trial of AMX0035 does not meet primary or secondary endpoints
8 March 2024
Amylyx Pharmaceuticals have announced that the phase 3 clinical trial of AMX0035 (PHOENIX) did not meet its primary or secondary endpoints. This suggests that there was no significant change in ALSFRS-R scores (from baseline to 48 weeks) for those who received the treatment compared to those who received the placebo (dummy drug). There were also no differences found in secondary endpoints, such as quality of life and muscle function measures, between those who were given AMX0035 compared to those on placebo. The full results will be published later this year.
AMX0035, also known as Relyvrio and Albrioza, was approved for MND in the USA and Canada in 2022. The initial results of this phase 3 trial may mean that the drug is withdrawn from the market in these countries. Amylyx will discuss the results with regulatory authorities and MND communities before making a decision on the future of the drug in the next few weeks. You can read more about this in a press release here and find out more about AMX0035 here.
New tool could detect signs of MND before symptoms begin
7 March 2024
Researchers from the University of Aberdeen, University of Edinburgh and other international partners have started to develop a new tool which could identify signs of MND earlier. The test has currently only been used with tissue samples and further development of the test would be needed before it could be used in clinic.
The test works by tagging toxic clumps of TDP-43, which are known to form in ~97% of people with MND. This new approach improved the accuracy of detecting these clumps compared to previous traditional approaches. Using this method the researchers were able to detect toxic clumps before symptoms of MND began. It is hoped that this new tool could, in the future, help diagnose the disease earlier and allow people earlier access to new treatments as they emerge. You can read more here.
Tofersen receives positive opinion from European Medicines Agency Committee
23 February 2024
The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has announced a positive opinion for the approval of tofersen (Qalsody) for the treatment of SOD1 MND. The recommendation is for a marketing authorisation under exceptional circumstances, which means tofersen will be subject to monitoring once approved. The CHMP panel reviews the scientific evidence and forms an opinion on whether new drugs should be approved in Europe. The committee based their review on data from the phase 3 VALOR trial and its open label extension. This positive recommendation will now be sent to the European Commission who will make the final decision on approval in the EU within 67 days. You can read more about this recommendation here or in a press release.
The EMA determines approvals for the EU. It is thought that Biogen are currently pursuing the International Recognition Procedure (IRP) for approval in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland). This procedure allows the regulator for Great Britain, known as the Medicines Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), to take into account the decisions from trusted regulatory partners, such as the EMA, when making the decision to approve new treatments.
Regulatory approval in Great Britain does not automatically mean the treatment will be available on the NHS. First, it must be assessed by NICE, who advise the NHS whether a new treatment is cost effective. During their evaluation NICE review evidence from clinical trials, assess the benefits and quality of life the treatment would provide and weigh these against the cost of the treatment. Tofersen is in the early stages of this process with NICE.
A phase 3 trial of tofersen, called ATLAS, is currently underway. This trial is investigating whether treatment before physical symptoms appear can delay the onset of symptoms and slow disease progression when symptoms do develop. You can find out more about tofersen and ATLAS on our website.
SAR443820 clinical trial does not meet primary endpoint
20 February 2024
Denali Therapeutics reported that the phase 2 clinical trial of SAR443820 (HIMALAYA) did not meet its primary endpoint. This suggests that there was no significant change in ALSFRS-R (from baseline to 24-weeks) for those who received the treatment compared to those who received the placebo (dummy drug). Further details on the trial outcome are expected in the coming months. You can read more about SAR443820 here.
Single-dose gene therapy stops MND progression in early laboratory research
15 February 2024
Researchers from Macquarie University have developed a single-dose gene therapy which has been found to clear clumps of a toxic protein, called TDP-43, in early laboratory testing. Toxic clumps of TDP-43 are found in 97% of cases of MND. The researchers found that when TDP-43 is faulty, levels of another protein, called 14-3-3θ, are increased. These two proteins then interact, and this leads to build up in cells. The new potential gene therapy (CTx1000) can help to control the interaction between the two proteins.
In early laboratory testing, in models of MND, a single dose of CTx1000 only targeted faulty TDP-43. This meant that the healthy version of TDP-43 could still be produced and work as it should, while the faulty version was prevented from forming. The researchers now hope to continue the development of CTx1000 which will hopefully lead to testing in clinical trials. You can read more about CTx1000 here.
MND Association announces new £5 million investment to give more people with MND access to clinical trials
6 February 2024
The MND Association are developing a new network of MND Association Research Nurses across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The new Network aims to give everyone diagnosed with MND a chance to take part in research. The specialist nurses will help people with MND navigate the research trial process – providing information, identifying trials and research opportunities patients are eligible for, explaining what’s involved, and supporting their ongoing involvement. MND Association Research Nurses will work alongside multidisciplinary teams in Care Centres and Networks, with the first nurses expected to be in post by the end of the year. Find out more in a news story.
Function of the cell's powerhouse linked to MND severity
29 January 2024
Researchers from Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) have discovered that the function of the powerhouse of the cell (mitochondria) can affect how long people with MND live. Mitochondria are essential for cell survival and previous research has suggested that the mitochondria may not produce enough energy in people with MND.
The researchers found that the function of the mitochondria does not affect the risk of developing MND. However, there was a link between function of the mitochondria and survival. This suggests that new therapies could be developed to change the function of the mitochondria and potentially slow disease progression and increase survival time. You can read more here.
AB Science provide update on European approval process for Masitinib
26 January 2024
AB Science have provided an update on the ongoing marketing authorisation application of masitinib for the treatment of MND by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP), part of the EMA, have asked AB Science to submit a written response to the List of Outstanding Issues. This has pushed back the timeline to a decision. A decision whether to approve masitinib is now expected before mid-2024.
Masitinib is a potential treatment for MND which is currently being tested in a phase 3 clinical trial in the US and Europe. A previous phase 2/3 trial showed potentially promising results for a specific group of people with MND. You can read more about Masitinib here.
New research investigates family members risk of MND
22 January 2024
A new research study has suggested that family members of someone with C9orf72 MND may have an increased risk of developing MND, regardless of whether they carry the gene change or not. Researchers looked at 131 families from Ireland who had been affected by C9orf72 MND, the most common genetic form of MND. They found that some family members were also diagnosed with MND but did not have the C9orf72 gene change. This suggests that family members may have a higher risk of developing MND, even if they do not have the gene change. The researchers emphasised that each family is different and that this research highlights the importance of individualised support. Further research is now needed to understand more about why this increased risk may occur and if this is observed in other populations.
Top-line results from trial testing oral edaravone suggests no benefit
10 January 2024
Ferrer have announced the top-line results from the Phase III ADORE clinical trial testing oral edaravone (FNP122) in people with MND. The trial did not meet primary or secondary endpoints. There was no significant different in change in ALSFRS-R (from baseline to 48-weeks) for those who received the treatment compared to those who received placebo (dummy drug). This suggests that oral edaravone is not beneficial for people with MND. The data also showed no improvement in long-term survival when comparing oral edaravone to placebo over 72-weeks. This formulation of oral edaravone (FNP122) was found to be safe and well-tolerated. You can find out more about the results here or read more about the ADORE trial here.
Ferrer have also announced that the open-label extension of the ADORE study, where everyone on the trial has an option to receive the treatment, will now end due to the lack of benefit observed.
Further results from the CNM-Au8 trial announced
22 December 2023
Clene Nanoscience has reported additional data from the HEALEY ALS Platform trial. The additional data is from ‘post-hoc’ analysis of the trial, which means the analysis was completed after the trial was concluded and was not the primary objective of the trial.
Neurofilament light chain is a marker of nerve damage and levels are high in people with MND. Reducing the levels suggest a reduction in disease activity and less damage is happening to motor neurons. During the 24-week randomised portion of the trial, those who received CNM-Au8 had a 10% reduction in neurofilament compared to those who received the placebo. After 24-weeks everyone on the trial was now able to receive the treatment. A 16% decrease in neurofilament from baseline to 76-weeks for those who received CNM-Au8 compared to those who initially received placebo. Read more in the press release.
Clene also announced that they had approached the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to discuss accelerated approval for CNM-Au8. It has been reported that the FDA have rejected this request, stating that the results offered insufficient evidence of the reduction of neurofilament light chain.
You can find out more about CNM-Au8 here or read about neurofilament light chain here.
A new precision-medicine gene therapy was shared at the 34th International Symposium on ALS/MND
9 December 2023
Researchers from University College London and The Francis Crick Institute have developed a brand-new type of gene therapy that could be used to treat ALS, FTD and other neurodegenerative diseases. This new technique uses biology that is known to go wrong in neurons in MND and exploits it to increase the levels of proteins that are usually decreased in diseased motor neurons.
TDP-43 is a protein which becomes faulty in ALS and FTD and it’s function of regulating protein instructions is lost. This means that the instructions can contain pieces of information that are not needed to produce the protein (cryptic exons). This new gene therapy relies on these cryptic exons being included. The therapy contains a gene that is engineered to have a cryptic exon which, when included in the protein instructions, kickstarts the cell to make a specific protein (such as UNC13a or Stathmin-2) which is usually reduced in the disease.
This precision medicine approach means that the gene therapy only acts in cells that are affected by the disease and only when TDP-43 becomes faulty. The gene therapy could help to reduce the toxic effects of faulty TDP-43 in neurons and restore protein levels in ALS/FTD.
Top-line results announced from phase 2b trial of potential treatment called Prime C
6 December 2023
NeuroSense have announced the top-line results from the Phase 2b trial of Prime C. This Phase 2b trial included 69 people with ALS, from Canada, Italy and Israel, who were randomised to get either Prime C or a dummy drug (placebo) for six months. The initial results from this trial have shown that the potential treatment is safe and well tolerated by people with ALS. Prime C was also found to slow disease progression by 29% on the ALSFRS-R and slow decline in lung function by 13% for those on prime C compared to placebo.
While this was a small trial, the initial results are very promising and support the need for a bigger phase 3 trial, which is already being planned. Further results from this trial will be announced in early 2024 which will tell us more about how the treatment is working within the body. You can read more in a press release.
BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics have announced a meeting to discuss another clinical trial of NurOwn
20 November 2023
BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics have revealed that they will be meeting with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the 6th December to discuss the path forward for NurOwn. After the FDA advisory committee voted against the approval of NurOwn in September, the application to the FDA was withdrawn and another phase 3 trial was recommended to test the potential therapy. BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics and the FDA will discuss the design of this trial so that it meets the FDA requirements for re-submitting the application if the results are positive. You can read more in a press release or find out more about NurOwn here.
New gene therapy targeting TDP-43 shows promise in animal models of MND
9 November 2023
A new gene therapy, being developed by a company called Sola Biosciences, has been found to extend survival and improve motor function in mice with MND. SOL-257, the potential gene therapy, aims to target a protein called TDP-43 which becomes faulty in around 97% of people with MND. The possible new therapy is designed to help restore the structure of TDP-43 and kick start the breakdown of the faulty protein, which might help to slow the progression of the disease and may reduce motor neuron death.
SOL-257 was tested in two different mouse models of MND. Treatment was given in the very early stages of MND in one mouse model and three months after the onset of disease in the other model. In the early treatment group, the gene therapy was shown to extend survival of the mice to 17 weeks compared to 8 weeks without treatment. In the later stages of disease, the treatment was found to reduce the number of toxic clumps of TDP-43 and improve motor function and muscle strength of the mice compared to those who did not receive the gene therapy. These findings support the continued development of the potential therapy for MND. You can read more about it here.
Virtual MND Research Institute officially launches
3 November 2023
The new UK Motor Neuron Disease Research Institute (UK MND RI) officially launched in London on 3 November 2023. The Institute aims to accelerate the search for effective treatments, and ultimately, a cure for MND. The virtual Institute brings together a network of MND labs, clinical centres and researchers carrying out world leading MND research across the UK. It is co-directed by MND clinician researchers Professor Ammar Al-Chalabi at King’s College London and Professor Chris McDermott at the University of Sheffield.
The Institute will enable clinicians, researchers and people with MND, together with charities, including the MND Association and other funders, to work together in a more coordinated way, to speed up drug discovery and drug development. Scientific discoveries will be translated into knowledge that drives new approaches to treatment, and then test those potential treatments in clinical trials. Find out more in a news story or follow the UK MND RI on social media to keep up to date with the latest information and news.