New expert-led consensus to shape the future of MND drug discovery and development research

6th Dec 2023

In a significant step towards advancing research in Motor Neuron Disease (MND), a groundbreaking white paper titled "Guiding Principles for Drug Discovery and Development in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis" has been unveiled today. The comprehensive document is the culmination of a year-long collaborative project that brought together leading researchers, clinicians, industry experts, and individuals living with MND.

Despite recent strides in understanding MND biology, effective treatment options for this debilitating condition remain limited. Recognizing this challenge, Medicines Discovery Catapult, in partnership with the MND Association and My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, initiated a collaborative effort to guide the future of MND drug discovery and development.

The project, coordinated by Medicines Discovery Catapult and led by a cross-sector working group of MND experts, focused on identifying barriers to translating basic science into effective therapies. The resulting white paper outlines guiding principles for an enhanced evidenced-based approach to pre-clinical studies, aiming to de-risk clinical trials of novel therapeutics.

The Guiding Principles have already gained momentum with a £5 million drug repurposing funding call from LifeArc, also announced today, aiming to identify medicines used in other diseases and repurpose them for MND.

Dr Laura Ajram, BNA Chief Executive, was closely involved in the collaboration during her time as Partnership Lead for Neuroscience at Medicines Discovery Catapult. “It’s fantastic to see the publication of the white paper after the extensive efforts of so many dedicated organisations and individuals. The Guiding Principles are a testament to the impact of cross-sector collaboration, highlighting the advances that can be made when we work together toward a common goal.”

“As a membership organization of neuroscientists exploring a broad range of CNS disorders, we welcome the opportunity for inter-disciplinary collaboration within the neuroscience community. The knowledge exchange via the Guiding Principles and LifeArc’s new research funding presents a compelling opportunity to leverage a wealth of expertise across the field, to advance treatments for the benefit of those affected by MND.” 

For more information, visit the links below:

To read the full press release, click here.

To read the White Paper, click here.

To read the Workshop Report, click here.

For further information on the funding available, click here.