Lithium drug trials launched
A CLINICAL trial to investigate the effects of lithium carbonate as a possible treatment for MND is to be launched this year by the MND Association.
This is the first time the Association has been in the position to fund its own clinical trial. There is scientific evidence to support the use of lithium as a treatment for MND and laboratory studies show that lithium can have a protective effect on motor neurones.
‘This means it could help people with MND live longer,’ says the Association, ‘but the evidence as it stands is not conclusive, hence the vital importance of this trial.’
The Association says that the trials are designed to get answers on the drug’s safety and beneficial effects as quickly as possible.
Ten centres will be included in the trial and only a limited number of people will be eligible. They will need to regularly attend a trial centre for blood tests. So far Leeds has not been included. However Manchester and Sheffield have been listed as possible centres.
If you are interested in taking part the Association suggests you talk first to your neurologist and let him or her know.
‘It is important to realise that half the people taking part in the lithium study will receive a ‘dummy’ pill or placebo,’ says the Association.
At present lithium is occasionally prescribed to people with MND to treat accompanying or pre-existing mood disorders.
For more information about the trials check out: www.mndassociation.org/clinicaltrials.
From Chatter Spring 2009