An international project aimed at finding new treatments for progressive MS within the next 5 years has been announced.
In progressive MS, mitochondria – the energy-producing powerhouses in cells including nerves – don’t function properly.
This means nerves don’t get the energy they need and they die. The loss of these vulnerable nerves leads to permanent disability in progressive MS.
A team involving the University of Edinburgh and researchers in Cleveland, US will use mice to explore what happens to mitochondria and their energy production in nerve fibres and nerve cells in MS.
They will also test whether pioglitazone, a diabetes drug, can help boost energy supply to nerves in the long term.
The International Progressive MS Alliance is providing more than 674k in Euros of funding.
Alliance members include MS Society UK, the National MSSociety in the US and MS Australia.
Last year, the Alliance funded 17 promising research projects around the world to find out more about the causes of progression in MS and to identify new treatment targets to slow, stop, and ultimately reverse disability.
Now, the six most promising are moving forward with the next stage of their research.
Lead researcher Dr Don Mahad said: “Our aim with this study is to understand more about the role of mitochondria in MS, and ultimately find targets for potential new treatments that can reduce the loss of vulnerable nerve and nerve cells in MS. In turn, this could slow or even stop progressive MS.”
Craig Watson who lives with primary progressive MS.
Craig Watson, 52, from Falkirk, Scotland, was diagnosed with primary progressive MS in 2015. He experiences a number of symptoms including mobility issues, vision problems, cognitive fog, fatigue, and problems with his speech. He uses either a wheelchair or mobility scooter when he leaves his house.
Craig welcomed the new study: “To hear the MS Society will be one of the organisations providing funding to support this research fills me with great joy and hope for the future. Without research like this, a cure for MS will never be found.
“To know this research is taking place close to my home warms the soul. Research into progressive MS is really important and news of this study offers reassurance to many that something is being done.”
Clare Walton, the MS Society’s head of research, said: “We’re hugely proud to be part of the International Progressive MS Alliance, funding vital research being carried out by scientists such as Dr Don Mahad and his team.
“The need for treatments for people with progressive forms of MS is urgent. Tens of thousands of people in the UK have little available to them and that’s why research like this is so important.”
