For a brighter future...
We (Neil Hutchison and Roy Forsyth) have just been at Sunderland University for a meeting with the research team there.
This was to hear about the updates to the Prodrug research we are currently funding and have been as a long term project.
So where are we now? We have a candidate drug (code-named CF-10) to take to drug trials, but there are a number of hurdles to clear before that happens.
We have agreed funding (£149,942.00) to extend the current work up to the end of 2017 to enable clarification on some points that will hopefully allow further funding to be sourced for the drug trials, as well as many other aspects of the research project that will run alongside, such as developing a formulation of CF-10 suitable for children and for those with swallowing difficulties.
What has been very interesting is to hear of the work that was previously funded by CRN into Proteomics, the study of proteins and how the body uses these and what effects having cystinosis has on that. The team have identified a number of proteins, besides cystinosin, that are affected and the data may offer insight into future treatments for some of the symptoms seen in most patients. So there is certainly more for us to work on there too.
We are delighted to continue to fund research into better understanding of the condition and improved treatments. In continuing our close relationship with the team at the University of Sunderland and their partners, we have the very best chance of turning ideas into tangible improvements for people with cystinosis and their families. We are only able to continue this work with your support.
– Roy
Pictured from left to right:
Paul Hambleton (Senior Lecturer, University of Sunderland), Roy Forsyth (Trustee of the Cystinosis Foundation UK ), Neil Hutchison (Trustee of the Cystinosis Foundation UK), Dr Lisa Frost (Post-doctoral researcher (CF UK funded), University of Sunderland), Dr Noel Carter (Reader, University of Sunderland), Roz Anderson (Professor, University of Sunderland), Vicky Forsyth (Roy’s wife), Dr Peter Dawson (Post-doctoral researcher (CF UK funded), University of Sunderland).
Picture: DAVID WOOD
