Premier

Funding Boost To Fast Track World-First MND Research

22 April 2017

The Andrews Labor Government will provide $3 million towards a world-first project that will fast track drug discoveries to treat and fight Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

The Government is partnering with the Cure for MND Foundation and the Florey Institute to deliver the project which will use a world-first drug screening platform and Nobel Prize winning stem cell technology to rapidly identify potential new drug discoveries.

Minister for Health Jill Hennessy today joined Neale Daniher to make the announcement at the Cure for MND Foundation’s first-ever Symposium at the Florey Institute.

This world leading project will mean breakthrough drugs and treatments can be identified sooner, and then fast tracked from the lab through to clinical trials for Australian MND patients.

It will see every Victorian living with MND – currently around 400 people – have the opportunity to contribute their stem cells to the project, ultimately leading to researchers being able to identify potential drug breakthroughs up to 160 times faster.

Patients will be able to donate their stem cells through a simple skin biopsy at the Florey Institute, taking us one step closer in our fight to treat this devastating disease.

This breakthrough initiative will build on the significant work and funding announced by the Cure for MND Foundation at today’s Symposium for new research and clinical trials.

Every day in Australia, at least two people are diagnosed with MND, and tragically, at least two die. The average life expectancy for a person with MND is only 27 months from diagnosis in Australia.

The project will also support the establishment of a dedicated MND Facility at the Florey Institute. The total value of the project is $5 million, with the Cure for MND Foundation contributing $2 million.

Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

“There is no effective therapy or cure for motor neurone disease – and this important research, right here in Victoria, is going to give new hope to MND sufferers.”

“Neale is a fighter and an inspiration to us all – and he has been central to making this world-leading project a reality.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy

“MND is a truly devastating disease. Being able to fast track new drugs and treatments has the potential to make a huge difference to the lives of hundreds of Victorians living with MND.”

“This ground-breaking project is a testament to the work of the world-leading researchers, scientists and institutes we have here in Victoria, and we’re proud to be supporting it.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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