Funding new research into mitochondrial disease treatments - News - The Lily Foundation
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Fighting mito,
finding hope.

Funding new research into mitochondrial disease treatments

Research

5 August 2024

The Lily Foundation are delighted to announce the investment of almost £100k into a pioneering new project by a team of researchers to investigate the effects of three different treatments on mitochondrial diseases.

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We’ve been committed to supporting innovative research into the diagnosis and treatment of mitochondrial disease since our foundation, so we’re excited to share the news that we’re investing in a new project looking at underlying pathways for the treatment of mitochondrial disease.

As we know, treating mitochondrial disease is difficult, with most approaches currently only managing symptoms. This project, taking place at Northumbria University and led by Dr Simon Johnson, will examine three possible methods of treating the disease that have all shown promise in mouse models.

The three strategies involve targeting the immune system, how the body makes proteins, and reducing oxygen levels. The study will explore how each treatment could work, and whether they could be combined to be even more effective. Understanding these mechanisms better in human patient cells could lead to better treatment strategies, making clinical trials more efficient and ultimately providing hope for mitochondrial disease patients.

We’re incredibly grateful for the support of our fundraisers and donors, because it’s only because of you that we’re able to invest in this new project, but it isn’t the only one – there are more studies in the pipeline, so keep an eye on our website and follow us on social media to hear what else is on the horizon.

Supporting medical research is a fundamental aspect of our work, not only as it could lead to a cure in the future but because it also helps to improve the lives of mitochondrial disease patients today.

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