The LifeArc Motor Neuron Disease Translational Challenge is our new multi-million-pound programme to accelerate scientific innovation for people living with MND.
The programme is guided by experts and shaped by patients; we’re partnering with patients, academics, charities, healthcare professionals and industry to fast-track scientific discoveries into new clinical solutions to transform how MND is detected, treated, and managed.
We’ll invest in collaborative projects to deliver new tests, therapies, and other medical technologies. Our goal is to make MND treatable by 2030 and to ultimately find a cure.
Our team of in-house scientists will partner with others to forge a deeper understanding of MND and validate potential new diagnostic and drug targets. Our technology transfer and other specialists will guide partners through the commercial, legal, regulatory, and other issues that can sometimes prevent scientific discoveries reaching patients.
Our approach
Our Translational Challenge is shaped by patients and guided by experts. An independent Scientific Advisory Board provides strategic advice and direction to the project team. The Board comprises:
- Kevin Talbot, Professor of Motor Neuron Biology at the University of Oxford
- Tom Gillingwater, Professor of Anatomy at the University of Edinburgh
- Linda Greensmith, Professor of Neuroscience at University College London.
| Early detection | Better treatments | Improved quality of life |
|---|---|---|
| Use patient data to predict those at risk of developing MND. Use devices to measure ‘pre-symptomatic’ disease. Identify novel biomarkers to accelerate diagnosis of MND. | Developing new therapies for MND, faster. Biomarkers to measure disease progression & stratify. Improved translation of disease models. | Develop devices to improve patients' day-to-day quality of life. Use remote monitoring to personalise treatment. Work to empower patients to contribute to scientific research and personal journeys . |
Primer fund
LifeArc is committing £1m to fund early-stage research to develop solutions to accelerate MND diagnosis.
The aim of the primer fund is to enable the development of solutions that could help decrease the time it takes for people with MND to reach a diagnosis. Earlier diagnosis will enable more patients to be enrolled in clinical trials earlier, and potentially improve the chance of developing new disease modifying treatments for MND.
The primer fund will aim to strengthen the evidence and build confidence in the solutions being developed by scientists. It will also aim to further investigate their potential for use between the GP/primary care physician and the neurologist.
Find out more about our £1m Primer Fund to accelerate MND diagnosis.
Our podcast
Learn more about how translational science can help MND research in our newly-launched MND podcast series.