Link June 2017 Vol 26 Issue 3 | Page 56

breakthrough new MND drug could delay progression A drug with the potential to delay would undertake formal pre-clinical believe the same inflammatory the progression of motor neuron safety trials with the drug. pathway is likely to be active in all trials within three years. “As long as the results from the disease (MND) could be in human forms of MND,” Dr Woodruff said. safety studies are positive, the drug “Our next project will focus on University of Queensland could be ready to be trialled in sporadic MND, which accounts for researchers have shown the patients in 2019,” Dr Woodruff said. 90 per cent of patients.” is effective in animals with the He also has plans to test the drug There is no known cure for disease, delaying the progression in a range of motor neuron disease MND, a terminal disease with an of symptoms and extending models in his laboratory. average life expectancy of two anti-inflammatory drug PMX205 survival. and a half years. People with MND “To date we have only tested the progressively lose the use of their Associate Professor Trent drug in one model based on the limbs and ability to speak, swallow Woodruff said a private company inherited form of MND, but we and breathe. Do you have a problem with your telephone or internet company? The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman can help. Remember, before you get in touch with us, you need to try to fix your problem with your landline, mobile or internet company. Call us: 1800 062 058* Go online: www.tio.com.au Interpreting service: 131 450 For more information, visit: www.relayservice.gov.au *Calls to our 1800 number from landlines are free. Calls from mobile phones may attract a fee, which will vary depending on your service provider. If you are calling from a mobile phone, let us know and we can call you back. 54 breakthrough linkonline.com.au