Charity MND Scotland has said the first clinical trials in more than 20 years represent a milestone in the fight to cure the condition
The first Motor Neuron Disease (MND) clinical drug trial to take place in Scotland in two decades has been described as historic.
Charity MND Scotland has said the drug testing, which aims to slow down the degenerative condition, is a major step in the fight to find a cure.
Now recruiting MND patients in Glasgow, who meet the stringent criteria, the study will focus on types of immune cells in the blood, which are capable of influencing the speed at which ALS – the most common form of MND - progresses. The drug being tested is called Interleukin-2, which is already used for some types of cancer.
Lawrence Cowan, chair of MND Scotland and best friend of late MND campaigner, Gordon Aikman, said securing clinical trials is a key goal for the organisation.
He said: “This is an historic moment in our fightback against Motor Neurone Disease in Scotland. Thanks to everyone getting behind MND Scotland we are now able to bring the first clinical trial to this country in 20 years.
“Gordon and I always talked about bringing clinical trials here. I wish so much that he was still with us to see it happen.
“This is the start of something incredible - the new phase of Scotland’s MND research revolution. I want us to bring more trials here. That’s why MND Scotland has created a time for trials fund which will invest over £1.5 million to help deliver our ambition of bringing more drug trials to Scotland."
Dr George Gorrie, consultant neurologist at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, who will be leading the trial in Scotland, said: “This is an important first step in providing patients with MND the opportunity to take part in therapeutic studies in Scotland. This study will take place in Glasgow, however patients from across Scotland, who meet the criteria, are also encouraged to register their interest.
“I am hopeful this study will lead to further drug trials in MND across the country. Enabling patients in Scotland to take part in clinical research is key to advancing the development of effective treatments against this terrible disease.”
To find out more about the trial, visit the MND Scotland website.
