MS Research Australia would like to congratulate Professor Trevor Kilpatrick and Associate Professor Justin Rubio from the University of Melbourne and the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, on securing funding from the American National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS). The NMSS offers funding for MS research projects regardless of where in the world they are conducted, these grants are highly competitive and attract the highest calibre of scientist from all around the world. Funding is awarded to the most competitive project proposals. Therefore it is a great honour that an Australian researcher has managed to secure such funding. This is not the first time Professor Kilpatrick has been awarded funding from the NMSS, which is a reflection of the quality of his MS research, and it also reflects the cutting edge research being carried out in this country.
The grant provides funding is for a pilot study exploring a therapeutic target to enhance myelin production in MS. Previously Professor Kilpatrick and other members of his team have received MS Research Australia funding, including an incubator grant covering studies into remyelination and myelin production in MS. Read more here. This work is imperative as current MS therapies work by suppressing the immune response, and although efficient in limiting the relapses that characterize the early phase of MS, they do little to prevent or reverse the permanent damage to myelin and nerves that can be done during the inflammatory attacks.
Professor Kilpatrick’s grant was one of 42 new projects awarded by the NMSS, which totalled up to more than $USD 10.5 Million (AUD$13.85 Million). The full list of projects funded by NMSS in the 2016 round can be seen here.
MS Research Australia is proud to work with the NMSS and our other sister organisations around the world in funding the strongest MS research that is likely to have an impact for people with MS. In particular, we are proud to be working together in the International Progressive MS Alliance which aims to accelerate solutions for people living with progressive forms of MS.
