Lord Drayson - Motor Neurone Disease Association international symposium
Birmingham, 3 November 2008
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Thank you, Professor [Pamela] Shaw, and good morning, everyone.
I'm delighted that Britain is hosting this international symposium after a gap of 11 years - and that, from modest beginnings in Solihull 19 years ago, it has become the pre-eminent meeting for research into motor neurone disease.
These are promising times for neuroscientists and geneticists working on MND - for all the healthcare professionals and patient organisations desperate for a cure to this terrible disease that's responsible for five deaths every day in the UK alone.
Earlier this year, scientists established a second genetic cause for MND - thanks in large part to research carried out at King's College, London.
Next year, two sets of phase-two clinical trials should begin in the UK, involving this Association and the UK Department of Health's Dementia and Neurodegenerative Disease Research Network. They will test the feasibility of treatments such as lithium, which may slow down progression of the disease.
I am here today to underline the fact that the UK Government shares your determination to beat MND. Last year, we announced a five-year £15m partnership between the MND Association and the UK Medical Research Council.
It's already having an effect, following the announcement of the first two clinical research fellowships.
The first two fellowships will enable scientists based in Sheffield and Oxford to examine the role of proteins in killing motor neurones, and to understand better the development of MND biomarkers.
I was also pleased to learn that the Medical Research Council has recently issued a call for proposals on further MND-related projects.
I wanted to be here today to lend my support to your work. I'm also here to convey the personal support of the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, who told the House of Commons in June of his desire to see "a world free of MND".
The MND Association is doing a great job by setting up 17 specialist centres around the UK, including two new centres covering London and the South-West. By working with commissioners and planners in the National Health Service to improve services for people living with MND, especially those coping with the final stages of the disease.
I'm full of admiration for the excellent work you do - not only in terms of promoting research, but in helping people with MND get the advice and care they need and deserve.
I would also like to pay tribute to your bravery - not only in fighting this terrible disease, but also in being one of the really brave research charities on two of the most important issues in medical science today: animal research and hybrid embryos. Your willingness to stand up in public debate is a model for other research charities.
EU and US scientists are in awe of the quality of debate as the Human Fertilisation and Embryology bill passed through the House of Lords last week. Thanks to Prof. Chris Shaw and the MND Association for their contribution.
I'd like to pay tribute to Lembit Öpik for the quality of his leadership as president of the Association over the past few years.
Lembit - you've left the Association in safe hands. Professor Colin Blakemore has been a key figure in UK science for many years. He has already been instrumental in developing an excellent partnership between the Association and the Medical Research Council. People affected by MND, and all those dedicated to beating the disease, have a great champion in their corner because Colin is one of the heroes of medical science today.
And now, it gives me tremendous pleasure to introduce Colin Blakemore.
