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MS is the commonest cause of neurological disability among young Australians (Australia’s Health 2000). In many patients with multiple sclerosis, the disease moves from a relapsing-remitting phase into a secondary progressive phase, characterised by slowly progressive disability without remission. It is believed that this progression, which is responsible for the vast majority of severe MS-related disability, occurs as a result of permanent loss of nerve cells and nerve cables (axons). This project aims to test new medications that might reduce axonal and nerve cell image in animal models, as a first step towards developing such medication for people with MS.
Current treatments reduce attacks of MS symptoms by 30 – 70% and unfortunately do not prevent the progressive increase in disability, says Professor Helmut Butzkueven.
Professor Butzkueven’s research used an animal model to identify the natural repair processes and assess if treatments designed to enhance naturally occurring repair may provide additional benefits.
Of particular interest are the axons, the cables transmitting electricity between cells of the nervous system which do not regenerate when cut by autoimmune damage. In a specific animal model of MS, Professor Butzkueven has been able to map and measure axonal damage. This means that researchers can now measure the effect new treatments have on protecting and preventing axons.
The investigation of a potential neuroprotective treatment has shown to be clinically beneficial reducing axon damage. Professor Butzkueven will continue to develop this into a treatment for human clinical trials.
Professor Helmut Butzkueven
$92,500
2006
4 years
Past project
