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Helen Compson

Editor in chief

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Helen Compson helen.compson@distinctivegroup.co.uk

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TURNING THE SPOTLIGHT ON SOME OF THE WORLD CLASS RESEARCH ESTABLISHING NEW FRONTIERS IN THE TREATMENT OF DISEASE

In a world first, scientists at the University of Sussex have deduced that low blood oxygen levels could explain why memory loss is an early symptom of Alzheimer’s.

They have recorded blood oxygen levels in the hippocampus and provided experimental proof for why the area, commonly referred to as the brain’s memory centre, is vulnerable to damage and degeneration, a precursor to the disease.

Dr Catherine Hall, senior lecturer in psychology, said: “If it’s right that increasing blood flow in the hippocampus is important in protecting the brain from diseases like Alzheimer’s, then it will throw further weight behind the importance of regular exercise and a low-cholesterol diet to long-term brain health.” Our knowledge about treatment options for progressive multiple sclerosis will be advanced by the launch, later this year, of a groundbreaking mega-trial. Christened Octopus to reflect the multiple arms of research it will embody, the clinical trial is being described as ‘revolutionary’ in its approach to identifying and delivering desperately needed treatments much faster than ever before.

Dr Emma Gray, assistant director of research at the MS Society, said: “More than 130,000 people live with MS in the UK and there are tens of thousands with progressive forms who have nothing to stop their MS getting worse. “But we believe we can stop MS, and the launch of Octopus is a crucial moment in our journey towards that goal.” Meanwhile, biotechnology company Phico Therapeutics Ltd is developing engineered phage technology as the basis of a new generation of antibiotics to overcome antibacterial resistance.

Hot on the heels of a £13m grant awarded earlier this year, it has just announced another £7m in new investments, funds that will be used to develop its SASPject technology platform and taking its lead product to clinic.