Multiple approach reaps multiple results for MS research

An innovative Australian organisation, MS Research Australia (MSRA), set up to raise funds and direct research into multiple sclerosis, has shown the way forward in how disease-specific research can be funded, with investment at the start of the research cycle that will attract further funds.

MSRA as a small, not-for-profit organisation has, on its own, committed over $3.1 million of new research funding this year (from funds raised by supporters), with research into such diverse areas as genetics, neurobiology, immunology and neuropsychology - for a full list of new projects [click here].

Meanwhile research into MS has also recently received new grants of some $2 million funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), the federal government’s medical research agency.

‘One of the most rewarding things is that some research projects that we have previously backed have attracted NHMRC grants for 2010 and 2011. So we kick-started them by our own peer-reviewed grant process and there is then a multiplier factor that generates more funds,’ said Jeremy Wright, Executive Director of MS Research Australia.

He acknowledges that grants from NHMRC are competitive and many projects across the whole area of health are deserving. But MSRA’s goals are to push hard for more MS-specific research. They receive donations through corporations and private foundations and have a unique added impetus of being supported by people with MS and their families and friends.

‘The latter are particularly keen to have a say in research decisions – what, when and how,’ he said.

Australian MS research has recently found some major breakthroughs and provided a sharper focus on answers to fundamental questions about the origins of MS. Among the successful projects the Australian and New Zealand Genetics Consortium has identified two genetic regions likely to be involved in MS susceptibility.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common disabling neurological disease in young adults. It affects approximately 20,000 Australians and 2.5 million people worldwide. Better understanding of the underlying mechanisms through research is allowing more focused development of new treatments.

Mr Wright says, “In 2011, MSRA will continue to accelerate MS research. This is reflective of the increasing community support to find a cure.”

The cause of MS is unknown, though it is generally thought to be the result of an interaction between genetic, immunological and environmental factors. Consequently, MSRA funds a cross-section of research in social and applied research, immunology, neurobiology, epidemiology and genetics to prevent MS, develop better therapies and ultimately a cure for MS.

To view a full list of the MS researchers funded for 2011 please [click here].