AFL legend Neale Daniher hails MND drug trial progress

A new drug developed by researchers, and partially funded by AFL legend Neale Daniher, slows MND by 70 per cent.

Neale Daniher waves as he leaves the ground after the 2018 AFL round 12 match between the Melbourne Demons and the Collingwood Magpies. Picture: Supplied

AFL legend Neale Daniher has hailed findings from a drug trial partially funded by his motor neurone disease charity Fight MND as a positive development which shows researchers are making slow and steady progress towards finding a cure for the debilitating disease.

The former Melbourne Demons coach has devoted his life to raising funds for research into MND since being diagnosed with the condition, which sees sufferers progressively lose their speech and mobility, in 2013.

Mr Daniher welcomed news today that Phase One of a trial of the drug Copper ATSM had been completed, and researchers could move to the next phase.

According to the Herald Sun, the drug, CuATSM, showed progression of the disease had been slowed by 70 per cent.

Most patients have since ­continued with the therapy under an extension of the trial.

“This would indicate we are making slow and steady progress and are definite and positive steps in the right direction,” Mr Daniher said.

“We can’t thank the Australian community that supports us enough. The fight against MND must continue until a cure is found.”

Fight MND CEO Jamie Howden said the organisation was heartened that the funds and work committed to trials such as the Copper ATSM trial were achieving some positive outcomes and findings.

“But we remain acutely aware these are still early days in our journey to find a cure for MND,” Mr Howden said.