Translational Challenge

Motor Neuron Disease

Our vision is a world where motor neuron disease (MND) is preventable and treatable.

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Motor neuron disease (MND) affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord that help tell muscles what to do.

We still know far too little about how to predict the onset or progression of MND, or to develop treatments or cures.

We want to use our expertise in early-stage science to progress discoveries that can intervene early, provide better treatments and improve the quality of life for those living with MND.

What do we want to achieve?

  • Contribute to making medicines and diagnostics
  • Detect and diagnose MND earlier
  • Connect experts across MND research
  • Unblock barriers that keep scientific discoveries from reaching patients
  • Listen and learn from people living with MND

Discover expert and community-driven insights

MND insights report on future treatment priorities

IThis report, from our MND Insights Group, contains the findings from workshops and a community-wide survey.

Download report

MND biomarker roadmap report

We hosted a roundtable with MND biomarker experts to tackle key challenges and explore solutions. This report shares insights to advance the field.

Download report

MND insights report on how technology could help with daily challenges

These perspectives are now being used to inform funding calls, programmes and research design, ensuring scientific progress reflects what truly matters to people with MND and their families.

Download report

The LifeArc Translational Science Summit on MND and rare dementias

Across a series of engaging sessions, we explored cutting-edge approaches to therapeutic discovery, early diagnosis, digital solutions and patient impact.

Watch recordings
Read key takeaways
MND Patient and campaigner, David Setters, on stage at the LifeArc Translational Science Summit for MND and Rare Dementias

How you can work with us

We partner and invest in the work of academics, charities, healthcare professionals and industry to:

Analyse patient data to predict those at risk of developing MND

Uncover new therapies for MND, faster

Identify novel biomarkers to accelerate diagnosis and measure disease progression

Develop technology to improve the day-to-day quality of life for those living with MND

Partner with us
Open funding opportunities

Some of our partnerships and initiatives

MND Drug Repurposing Programme: Enhancing the MND ecosystem’s approach to drug repurposing

We’re funding high-quality preclinical studies and building a collaborative network to improve drug repurposing and trial readiness in motor neuron disease (MND). 

Read more
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UK DRI: A £30 million partnership for the development of new dementia treatments

Our partnership with the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) aims to accelerate the development of new diagnostic tests, treatments, and devices for people with dementia.

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Advancing ALS/MND prognosis, monitoring, and drug development 

We are collaborating with the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) to identify and validate biomarkers for ALS/MND.

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The MND Insights Group and community surveys

Uncovering the most important research questions and urgently address the needs of MND research, working with real experts who live with the condition.

Read more
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View all partnerships and initiatives
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Learn more about our work in dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions

Read more

Who to contact

Get in touch

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