A treatment for motor neurone disease (MND) has been newly added to Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), making it publicly funded there for the first time. The drug, edaravone (brand name Radicava), is now available to eligible Australians. It is not registered in Europe or the UK after questions were raised about its effectiveness, and … Read more
We want to share an important update with our community: the Lighthouse II clinical trial has been stopped early, following a planned interim analysis. The analysis found that the treatment being investigated, Triumeq, did not show the level of benefit hoped for in slowing the progression of motor neurone disease (MND). Lighthouse II was a … Read more
The MND Insight Survey 2025 is the most comprehensive survey of the motor neurone disease (MND) community ever undertaken in New Zealand. Led by Dr Natalie Gauld, who was diagnosed with MND in 2022, this important research is supported by Motor Neurone Disease NZ and funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand. To … Read more
Improving care, support, and advocacy for people with MND Motor neurone disease (MND) is life-changing, affecting not only those diagnosed but also their whānau and support networks. The challenges can be overwhelming – from accessing healthcare and equipment to managing financial and emotional strain. Yet, despite its profound impact, there is still so much we … Read more
Building a clearer picture of motor neurone disease (MND) to improve care and drive change Research is essential for improving the lives of people with motor neurone disease (MND) and their families. It helps us understand what works, what doesn’t, and where change is needed to provide better care, services, and support. That’s why Motor … Read more
Dr. Natalie Gauld, who was diagnosed with MND in 2022, is leading the MND Insight Survey, the most in-depth study of its kind in New Zealand. The survey aims to uncover what’s working, what’s not, and where urgent improvements are needed for people with MND and their families. By sharing their experiences, participants will help … Read more
Motor neurone disease (MND) research is advancing at pace, with new discoveries bringing hope to those affected. The team at the University of Auckland’s MND Research Lab is working to uncover the genetic causes of MND in New Zealanders, develop targeted therapies, and improve support for families. Thanks to the generosity of MND NZ and … Read more
Join us for one of two MND Insight Survey webinars, where we’ll introduce the MND Insight Survey 2025, explain why it matters, and answer any questions you have. These sessions are not the survey itself but an opportunity to learn more before it launches. The MND Insight Survey 2025 is led by Dr Natalie Gauld, … Read more
The Centre for Brain Research recently celebrated its 15th birthday, marking an incredible milestone for neurological research. The Centre has over 400 researchers working across various fields of brain research, including a dedicated team of 10 researchers focusing specifically on motor neurone disease (MND). Led by Dr. Emma Scotter, the team have published over 20 … Read more
We are delighted to share the Summer issue of MND News with you, a twice-yearly publication by Motor Neurone Disease New Zealand designed to inform and inspire. In this edition, read about Pamela Glading, who has been living with MND for 17 years, who shares how she continues to live a happy life but albeit … Read more
In August, Dr Natalie Gauld, MND NZ’s Research Advisor travelled to Melbourne to attend the Australia and New Zealand MND Research Symposium. Here, she shares her insights and highlights from the conference. The Australia and New Zealand MND Research Symposium was a two-day jam-packed series of presentations by clever people working hard to find the … Read more
We are delighted to share that Dr Maize Cao has received a Neurological Foundation grant to study ALS. Dr Cao, an early career Research fellow at the University of Auckland, says: “what makes development of therapies difficult, is that there are many genes that can cause disease (‘suspects’ of ALS). Beyond that, at the molecular … Read more