October 31, 2008

Motor Neurone Disease – hope for the future? Launch of new clinical trials

Speakers:
Dr Brian Dickie, Director of Research Development, MND association
Prof Nigel Leigh, Professor of Clinical Neurology, King’s College London
Prof Colin Blakemore, President, MND association

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a rapidly progressive, fatal disease that can affect any adult at any time. There are around 5000 people living with MND in the UK at any one time; and half of those affected will die within 14 months of diagnosis. The cause of over 95% of cases is still unknown, and there is currently no cure or effective treatment. In a significant first step, the MND Association have launched clinical trials with lithium, which could provide a promising new treatment avenue.

The briefing was held to coincide with the 19th International Symposium on MND (3-5 November 2008).