Scientists in Trinity College Dublin have discovered a new molecule that could be effective in treating a number of diseases that devastate Irish families every year, including Rheumatoid Arthritis and Parkinson’s disease. Though these diseases, known as inflammatory diseases, have vastly different symptoms, they are said to work in the body in similar ways which is why the “Marvel molecule” (known as MCC950) could be effective in treating all of them.
Trials so far have suggested that the molecule may be capable of blocking multiple sclerosis. Approximately 8,000 people in Ireland are affected by MS so just imagine the possibility of what a new non-invasive treatment would have on the lives of sufferers and their families. MS is more common in adults though teenagers and children can also develop it, and it’s evident that between five and ten per cent of adult sufferers experienced their first symptoms before the age of 16.
Dublin Scientist, Dr Rebecca Coll was the lead author of the study, published in Nature Medicine this week which was the result of the combined efforts of six institutions including Trinity and the Universities of Queensland, Michigan, Massachusetts and Bonn. The development of treatments using MCC950 will surely have a huge impact on the lives of many. “I hope to see MCC950 in human trials in the near future,” said Dr Coll from Brisbane, Australia where she is continuing her research with the University of Queensland.
