Campaigning for the future of MND research

As a patient organisation the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association supports medical research that has the potential to bring us closer to effective treatments for MND. Because of this, we support aspects of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill relating to the use of human-admixed embryos also known as human-animal hybrid embryos. This Bill has attracted a significant amount of media coverage.

At present, there is no viable way of studying living human motor neurones in the laboratory, which is greatly inhibiting our understanding of the disease and the search for effective treatments. Stem cells derived from human-admixed embryos would offer a potential source of motor neurones for research. The use of an animal egg as an empty vessel for the creation of human embryos overcomes the limiting factor of the availability of donated human eggs.

We of course respect and acknowledge the sensitive feelings that surround this issue but we support any approach that could progress MND research, so long as it is legal, has a sound scientific rationale and is strictly regulated.

The Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) and the Genetic Interest Group (GIG) have written a joint letter to MPs emphasising the importance of certain aspects of the Bill for the advancement of medical research. As members of the AMRC and GIG, the MND Association fully supports this letter-writing campaign.

GET INVOLVED
We are keen to make MPs aware of the potential of human-admixed embryos in MND research. We know that aspects of this Bill involve difficult ethical issues and may evoke strong personal opinion. However, if you are in support of the Association’s position we ask you to consider writing to your local MP before 30 April 2008, stressing the importance of the Bill for MND research. This is so your letter will reach your MP before the Bill’s Second Reading in May. You can use our example letter to MPs (30 kb)  if you wish.

Write to your MP at the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA. You can find out who your MP is at www.theyworkforyou.com.

To help us monitor the impact your letters have, please also send a copy of your correspondence and any response you receive to Louise Coxon, Communications Manager, MND Association, PO Box 246, Northampton, NN1 2PR. If you have any questions about this issue, please call the Research Development team on 01604 611880.