Professor Rachel Lennon, Professor of Nephrology at the University of Manchester said: Rare diseases have an enormous impact on an individuals life, and they do not attract the critical mass of researchers required to enable rapid improvements in treatment. This Kidney Research UK-Stoneygate award to establish a UK hub for Alport Research is fabulous news and it will transform our ability to increase awareness, improve understanding of the condition and to accelerate new treatment options for patients. By bringing together expertise in cell and matrix biology, genetics and clinical practice, we aim to improve genetic testing and to progress a range of therapy options to extend kidney survival in patients with Alport syndrome.

Sandra Currie, chief executive of Kidney Research UK said: Rare diseases offer a unique challenge to charities such as ours and the overall scientific community. Often, there are limited resources attributed to sourcing new treatments as well as an overall lack of understanding into the causes, impacts and ways to treat them. Embarking on this new collaborative way of working, we are tackling this issue head on by bringing together a wealth of facilities and expertise. With this new Hub, we have the potential to accelerate the discovery and testing of new treatments and possibly even a cure through gene therapy.

The diagnosis and treatment of Alport syndrome have improved in the last decade. However, more progress is urgently needed. With the additional resources and funding, researchers are optimistic that results and transformative treatments could begin to emerge from the hub within the next five years.

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Collaborative research approach set to accelerate treatment of rare kidney condition - The University of Manchester

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