New Therapies Scrutiny Group for Prion Disease
The MRC New Therapies Scrutiny Group for Prion Disease was established in 2005 at the request of the Chief Medical Officer, to provide an independent source of advice on research into the development of potential therapeutics or preventative agents for prion disease. The group is building upon the previous work of the Department of Health CJD Therapy Advisory Group. It advises the MRC on ways of accelerating progress towards clinical trials of new therapeutic or preventive treatments for prion disease, and maintains an overview of other relevant research. The group’s remit relates to research only; it does not advise on patient treatment.
Co-chaired by Sir Mike Rawlins and Mr Lester Firkins, the New Therapies Scrutiny Group for Prion Disease reports directly to the MRC’s Council. It normally meets twice a year, with most meeting papers available through this website.
Terms of reference
The group will:
- Provide advice to the MRC on potential therapeutics or preventative agents for prion disease;
- Through a dedicated working group, develop a core set of outcome measures that may be used by clinicians administering experimental treatments for prion disease, with the aim of facilitating data integration and maximising information derived from such treatments;
- Through a horizon-scanning working group, maintain an overview of research likely to lead to the development of new preventative medications or therapeutics for human prion disease;
- Identify potential new therapeutic or preventative agents that may be suitable for clinical trial;
- Seek opportunities to support national and international communication;
- Report to the MRC’s Council on an annual basis.
Contact: Dr Joanna Latimer
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7670 5033
Email: Joanna.Latimer@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk
Membership
Meeting agendas, minutes and papers
- First meeting held on 30 August 2005
- Second meeting held on 10 January 2006
- Third meeting held on 4 July 2006, meeting agenda and papers
- Fourth meeting held on 14 May 2007, meeting agenda, papers and minutes
Reports
Report from Professor Ian Bone – Intraventricular Pentosan Polysulphate in Human prion disease. A study of experience in the United Kingdom. Also available is a lay summary of the report written for a general audience.