MND research boosted by foundation’s cash

A research charity has launched a campaign to raise money to lay the foundations for human trials of a therapy for motor neurone disease (MND).

The Funding Neuro campaign to raise the £150,000 needed for the pre-clinical stage of development has already been boosted by a £50,000 donation from the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

It was set up last year by Scotland rugby legend Doddie Weir, who suffers from MND.

There is no cure for the fatal condition, which affects the brain and nerves, and causes weakness over time.

The research hopes to develop a therapy that will deliver viral and gene therapy directly into the brain to restore the function of motor neurones.

Laboratory work led by Bristolbased neurosurgeon Professor Steven Gill has shown specific viruses that are modified to carry therapeutic genes can be transported into the spinal cord using a technique called convection enhanced delivery.

Prof Gill said: “The standard treatments that are currently available for motor neurone disease may enhance a patient’s quality of life but there is yet to be a therapy to combat the disease.

“Backed by Funding Neuro, our project has the potential to offer a fast-track approach to a neuroprotective and regenerative treatment for the disease.

“By bringing together experts in neurosurgery, gene therapy, medical engineering and biotech pharma we have developed the technology and know-how to successfully deliver gene therapies to the central nervous system.

“We are now in a unique position to rapidly translate these promising lab results to clinical trials to protect and repair motor neurones,” he added.

Rugby legend Doddie Weir suffers from the condition.