SMR and BNA: on a quest to slow the progression of disability in neurodegenerative disorders

20th Nov 2024

The British Neuroscience Association were delighted to collaborate with the Society for Medicines Research recently to deliver ‘The quest for new medicines to slow the progression of disability in neurodegenerative disorders’ event hosted at the AstraZeneca Discovery Centre (DISC) on their Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

L-R: Prof Alan Palmer, networking sessions took place during the day, Prof Alan Palmer and Prof Mo Alavijeh, Pharmidex

The event kicked off with introductions from Dr Rebecca Jarvis, Head of Medicinal Chemistry, Neuroscience, R&D BioPharmaceuticals at AstraZeneca, Prof Sam Butterworth, Chair of the SMR and our very own Charlotte Shepherd, Head of Partnerships and Development at the BNA.

The programme included sessions on Neuroprotection strategies for stroke and traumatic brain injury from Prof Alan Palmer, CEO, Elixa MediScience and BNA non-executive director; Strategies to protect neurons in motor neuron disease; Amyloid and Alzheimer’s disease; Neuroprotective strategies for Parkinson’s disease, and Recent progress in the clinical development of therapies for Huntington Disease. A whole host of stellar speakers were invited to share their insights including Prof Dame Pamela Shaw, Sheffield, Dr Kirsten Scott, AstraZeneca and Prof Sir John Hardy, UCL.

 The full programme can be viewed here.

L-R: AstraZeneca’s Discovery Centre (DISC) boasts state-of-the-art conference facilities, top-right, Charlotte Shepherd speaking about the BNA's initiatives

The programme concluded with a thought-provoking panel session with all speakers and chaired by Dr Gregor Macdonald. 
The SMR and BNA are extremely grateful to the exhibitors and sponsors who were able to support the event. 

L-R: Dr Rebecca Jarvis, AZ kicks off the day, Prof Alan Palmer and Louise Tratt, BNA, Prof Sam Butterworth introducing the SMR 

Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst neatly summarised the event:

"An awe inspiring day with seminars on next generation medicine being developed across the UK to treat wide ranging CNS diseases from stroke, MND and ALS through to Alzheimer's, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s Disease."

Please do look out for future events hosted by the BNA including the BNA2025 International Festival of Neuroscience in Liverpool in April 2025.