Detecting and stopping hidden progression of MS

Professor Kilpatrick and Professor Kalincik

Professor Trevor Kilpatrick and Professor Tomas Kalincik

University of Melbourne

| A cure via repair and regeneration | Neurobiology | Fellowship | 2022 | Investigator Led Research |
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Summary

Progression of MS can at times be subtle and can be initially missed by doctors and patients alike. It is not uncommon that while MS may seem on the surface to be appropriately controlled, the condition is deteriorating quietly in the background. Once this silent deterioration manifests as worsening of disability, it is typically too late to reverse the loss of function. 

This program revolves around detection, measurement and treatment of subtle progression of MS, especially amongst patients who are at the highest risk of silent deterioration of their disease. The project will first develop and validate a set of markers (clinical assessments, specialised investigations and biological markers) that will be sensitive enough to detect subtle changes in people with seemingly well-controlled MS. Second, it will develop a new method for monitoring the activity of the immune system within the brain. This method will first be validated in laboratory models and then translated to use in humans. Third, the program will develop a promising treatment for progressive MS called PEGylated-GAS6. This molecule modifies the behaviour of the immune system within the brain.  

The completed research will set the scene for translating this treatment into a research program offered to people living with MS - a first-in-human randomised clinical trial of PEGylated-GAS6.

Updated: 14 February, 2022

Stages of the research process

Fundamental laboratory
Research

Laboratory research that investigates scientific theories behind the possible causes, disease progression, ways to diagnose and better treat MS.

Lab to clinic timeline: 10+ years
Translational
Research

Research that builds on fundamental scientific research to develop new therapies, medical procedures or diagnostics and advances it closer to the clinic.

Lab to clinic timeline: 5+ years
Clinical Studies
and Clinical Trials

Clinical research is the culmination of fundamental and translational research turning those research discoveries into treatments and interventions for people with MS.

Lab to clinic timeline: 1-5 years

Grant Awarded

  • Paired Fellowship

Total Funding

  • $750,000

Duration

  • 3 years

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Detecting and stopping hidden progression of MS