Motor Neurone Disease Appeal

This campaign will fund the foundations for human trials of a pioneering therapy for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

This fatal disease affects the brain and nerves and causes weakness over time. There is currently no cure for the condition. The work led by Bristol-based neurosurgeon Professor Steven Gill combines three elements: Gene Therapy with Viral Vectors delivered via Convection Enhanced Delivery CED.

It is known that specific viruses can have a therapeutic effect on motor neurons. Convection Enhanced Delivery (CED) enables delivery of these viruses directly to the neurons in the brain.

Professor Gill is known for his pioneering work with delivering drugs directly into the brain with CED to treat Parkinson’s Disease and brain tumours. Professor Gill has conducted a number of pre-clinical tests with gene therapy targeting Motor Neurone Disease.

The tests have shown promising results. The next ‘pre-clinical’ stage is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the treatment. This crucial phase must be completed before clinical trials in humans can be started.

Professor Steven 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.

The cost of the pre-clinical stage is £225,000.  Thanks to My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and the Alan Davidson Foundation, alongwith fantastic support from Funding Neuro fundraisers this has been fully funded.  We will continue to raise funds for MND research.