Patients volunteer for pioneering treatment by Cambridge scientist on verge of curing multiple sclerosis – Cambridge News

Scores of people living with multiple sclerosis have put themselves forward for clinical trials as part of a Cambridge scientists bid to develop a treatment to cure the disease.

MS, an auto-immune condition which affects 2.3 million people around the world, attacks cells in the brain and the spinal cord, causing an array of physical and mental side effects including blindness and muscle weakness.

At the moment theres no cure, but Cambridge scientist Su Metcalfe and her company, LIFNano, hope to change that.

On Sunday the News told how Su has married one of the bodys cleverest functions with some cutting-edge technology. The natural side of the equation is provided by a stem cell particle called a LIF.

Su said: I discovered a small binary switch, controlled by a LIF, which regulates inside the immune cell itself. LIF is able to control the cell to ensure it doesnt attack your own body but then releases the attack when needed.

That LIF, in addition to regulating and protecting us against attack, also plays a major role in keeping the brain and spinal cord healthy. In fact it plays a major role in tissue repair generally, turning on stem cells that are naturally occurring in the body, making it a natural regenerative medicine, but also plays a big part in repairing the brain when its been damaged.

So I thought, this is fantastic. We can treat auto-immune disease, and weve got something to treat MS, which attacks both the brain and the spinal cord. So you have a double whammy that can stop and reverse the auto-immunity, and also repair the damage caused in the brain.

Sus company LIFNano has already attracted two major funding awards, from drug firm Merck and the Governments Innovate UK agency.

The company hopes to attract more investment, with the aim of starting clinical trials in 2020.

Off the back of the article regarding Sus work, people commented in their droves offering to trial Dr Metcalfes treatment, which is being touted as a possible cure.

Many also shared their experiences of living with MS.

James Stokes, 52 from Reading, was just one of many to comment on our story.

He told the News : I was diagnosed with MS on my 18th birthday of all days, but I wasnt told then that it was MS.

I had a big attack and was put in hospital; I lost my sight and couldnt speak or walk.

Even then I still wasnt officially told it was MS until a few years later.

About 10 years ago, things started to go downhill and I found myself basically housebound; I can still walk but not a great distance.

I use a walking stick, and have to use a wheelchair if Im going long distances.

MS has robbed me of my life, but when I saw this article there was a glimmer of hope.

Id love to know more about it [the process] and would be willing to take part in clinical trials.

If they could reverse my MS that would mean everything. At the moment, I feel as if Ive been given a life sentence but with no parole.

If a cure for MS is found, I could get a new lease of life and a lot more hope.

Many others also commented on the story regarding Sus work.

Debbie Brown wrote: This gives me some hope that things will improve in my lifetime. Diagnosed with RRMS in 2000. Very interested in registering for a clinical trial.

Amy Keighley said: My father was diagnosed with MS in 1996. He has been on several medications and is currently being treated by Dr Tornatori at Georgetown University Medical Center.

He fights every day and lives life to the fullest. He and my mother have been together since 1950. They were 15 years old. They are both retired from operating a jewellery store together for 23 years.

They try to travel every month and my dad's spirits remain high. I would like to ask that my dad be considered for the clinical trial.

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Patients volunteer for pioneering treatment by Cambridge scientist on verge of curing multiple sclerosis - Cambridge News