Myelin Repair Foundation

[Sharon]

I urge everyone to take a look at the Myelin Repair Foundation site. The Foundation is ahead of schedule (goal was five years to develop a drug for myelin repair) http://myelinrepair.org/research_model/

Sharon

[bromley]

It will be interesting to see if the myelin research which is in the news today also helps propel this work forward. The Cambridge Centre for Myelin repair is hoping to start human trials in 5-10 years. Similar projects around the globe. My only reservation is that the cause of the damage to myelin and myelin making cells will still need to be identified. But at least re-myelination will support the axons which have been demyelinated and keep them functioning.

[bromley]

Sharon,

This seemed to me to be one of the key sections from their website:

Expectations for the future

In the MRF strategic plan we expected to file our first patent application in mid-2007 and to have validated our first therapeutic target by 2009. Our hope was that the discoveries and inventions of the MRF research team would be of interest to biotech and pharmaceutical companies and that we could initiate licensing discussions by early 2009.

Based on the rapid progress of the team we now believe that MRF will have assays and animal models that will be of licensing interest to any company working on neurodegenerative disease by July 2007. As a result we began exploratory discussions with Biogen, Serono, Novartis, Wyeth, Sanofi Aventis, Genentech and Eli Lilly this past spring. These meetings provided an overview of the current assays and models used by the MRF research team as well as a preview of those we are currently developing. The goal of these meetings was to determine which validation assays are considered most important in evaluating targets and drug candidates for development. We expect to continue these discussions over the next year and expand the number of companies we are evaluating as potential development partners for new therapies.

This brief snapshot of the MRF and its results cannot do justice to the talent, dedication and professionalism of the MRF’s research team, management team and growing team of volunteers, and especially to our donors, all of who made critical contributions directly to these results. It is hard to believe that we have learned so much in such a short period of time. I hope that in reading this information you share our enthusiasm and expectation that we can make effective myelin repair treatments a reality in just a few years.

Love them or loathe them, the big pharma companies are needed as they have the financial clout and expereince to trial and bring to market new treatments.

Ian

[Sharon]

Bromley -

I have been following the Myelin Research Foundation since its inception (just about the time I was diagnosed). When I was diagnosed, the neuro (and a second opined neuro), told me that the interferon drugs would not help me - the MS was inactive and would probably not flare because of my age . They did tell me the degeneration would probably continue, so I should hope for a drug to repair the damage. Hence, my interest with the MRF.

I was impressed with the game plan, the strategic target and the timeline. As a CEO, I know how difficult it is to meet and to exceed the original endpoints. MRF has brought together a synergy of dedicated doctors and researchers. And, yes, they have to bring in the big pharmas to get the stuff to market. But, remember they are negotiating with Scott Johnson - I am glad he is on our side.

Sharon

[Rita]

But, remember they are negotiating with Scott Johnson - I am glad he is on our side.

My only hopes are in people who have MS and are founding investigations related to EM. Even if they need to talk with pharmas…

[nicolem]

Good Day:

I wanted to introduce myself. I am with the Myelin Repair Foundation. I am the Volunteer Area Director for Colorado.

When you have a moment, please review our website below and take a peek at the interactive "launch video" on main page and play. It will help describe the foundation's purpose and little background for you. We have some recent news and updates which are featured on the left hand screen of the main page that you may want to view.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank you,

Nicole A. McGarvey
Volunteer Area Director-Denver,CO
Myelin Repair Foundation http://myelinrepair.org/index.shtml
Discovery through collaboration
nicolemcgarvey@hotmail.com

Correspondence with representatives of the Myelin Repair Foundation should not replace consultation with one or more licensed neurologists or others who are trained to treat the symptoms of MS and other demyelinating diseases.

[MSandI]

Hi Nicole,
It has been a long time since your last post. Just wondering how things are coming along. The last message I received was from a Jennifer. I am on email newsletter.
Ann