Scientists excited by drug target research

Scientists at Sheffield University’s Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) believe the drug has shown the potential to prevent the death of motor neurones and stop the onset of the disease.

Drs Richard Mead and Laura Ferraiuolo, from SITraN, have been investigating the potential of drugs identified by artificial intelligence company BenevolentAI to combat the form of MND known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Dr Mead said: “This is an exciting development in our research for a treatment for ALS.

“BenevolentAI came to us with some newly identified compounds discovered by their technology - two of which were new to us in the field and, following this research, are now looking very promising.

“Our plan now is to conduct further detailed testing and continue to quickly progress towards a potential treatment for ALS.”

ALS is a degenerative and ultimately fatal disease which targets the muscles, leading to weakness and paralysis.

Ken Mulvany, chairman of BenevolentAI, said: “We understand from SITraN their research demonstrates that the hypothesis and drug candidate that our technology identified has delayed the onset of cell death in the gold standard model of ALS.

“We are incredibly encouraged by these findings. We very much look forward to the results of SITraN’s further studies and are hopeful for the positive impact that this drug could have for people living with ALS.”

There are currently only two approved drugs and no cure for the treatment of ALS with patients’ life expectancy ranging from two to five years beyond diagnosis.

Six people every day are diagnosed with MND which affects up to 5,000 people in the UK at any one time.

More details of the Sheffield research are expected to be published at a conference organised by the MND Association in Boston in December.

Brian Dickie, director of research development at the MND Association, said: “SITraN is one of the country’s leading institutes for MND research and the MND Association has previously funded both Dr Mead and Dr Ferraioulo in their work to understand the disease. It is encouraging to hear that their innovative collaboration with a leading AI company is shedding new light on aspects of the disease which may open the door to more effective treatments in the future.”