An expert asserts that finding a cure once seemed “ridiculous” but is now a real possibility, primarily due to “crucial” funding from charitable organizations such as one established in honor of a rugby legend. Effective treatments would eliminate the “hopelessness” individuals experience after receiving a “devastating” diagnosis.
According to an expert, a cure for motor neuron disease (MND) is “possible” as a charity founded by a rugby legend unveils its five-year research strategy to give hope to those diagnosed with the disease.
Doddie Weir’s 2017 My Name’5 Doddie Foundation (MNDF) will fund therapeutic research with millions of pounds.
Mr. Weir passed away in November 2022 after a six-year battle with MND.
The charity’s mission will be to effectively deliver treatments to slow the progression of motor neuron disease (MND), while also working to discover a complete cure.
Professor Ammar Al-Chalabi, director of the MND Research Centre at King’s College London, stated that a cure is now a distinct possibility.
“When I began my MND research nearly 30 years ago, the possibility of an effective treatment seemed absurd,” he said.
“A cure is now a possibility, but a treatment that dramatically slows the progression of MND is more likely.” Both are still in the distant future.”
The professor added that charitable contributions are essential for propelling research into treatments and eventual cures.
He stated, “Research is costly, but My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and other MND charities are essential to its funding.”
“They are responsible for the innovative work that advances the discipline as well as the essential blogging away at it’s work that keeps everything running.
“We are only where we are because of MND charities and the people who fundraise so effectively.”
Effective therapies are “not too far off.”
Doddie Weir was motivated to establish a charity because a diagnosis of MND appeared hopeless.
Catalysis a Cure, the MNDF’s new five-year strategy, seeks to accelerate research over the next five years with a commitment to have invested in developing new treatments and improving early diagnosis by 2028.
It will also enhance biomarkers that indicate whether or not a treatment is effective.
The organization has devoted approximately £8.5 million to research and was one of several UK organizations to successfully lobby the government for a £50 million commitment to MND research.
MNDF’s director of research, Jessica Lee, stated, “We believe that efficacious treatments to slow or halt disease progression are imminent.
“By collaborating closely with our remarkable research community and encouraging the adoption of new methods and ways of thinking, we will hasten the process of bringing these treatments to fruition.”
Jill Douglas, a sports broadcaster and the charity’s chief executive officer, added, “Doddie’s greatest frustration when he was diagnosed with MND in 2016 was the lack of hope for individuals facing such devastating news.
“He wanted the Foundation to tirelessly work towards a world in which this is not the case, and we are beginning to make genuine progress in that direction.
“There is tremendous momentum in MND research, and this bold and ambitious research strategy, backed by thousands of fundraisers who support the Foundation, ensures we are in the best position possible to build on that and work with the MND research community to hopefully accelerate the development of new treatments.”
What is neuromuscular disease?
According to the NHS, motor neuron disease (MND) is a rare condition that affects the brain and nerves, can cause weakness, and worsens progressively.
The condition primarily affects adults in their 60s and 70s, but all adults can be affected.
There is currently no cure, but there are treatments that can help reduce its impact on daily life.
Some individuals can live for many years with the condition, but it can also be fatal.
