$100,000 for Stem Cell Pilot Study (2009 – 2010)
We then set about raising $100,000 to fund a stem cell pilot study which we achieved successfully in 2007-8 through a fantastic effort of every one in the Australian HSP Community doing their bit. The Pilot Study wrapped up in mid-2010 with very promising results, having identified important cell functions impaired by HSP gene mutations.
$200,000 now needed for the next step in our Towards a Cure for HSP research program.
Success in the pilot study now paves the way for a new research project over the next two years. We need $100,000 per year to fund this research. The project aims to identify potential drugs to compensate for important cell functions impaired by the mutated genes that cause HSP.
$84,000 for Gene Testing (2007 – 2008)
Without any financial support from the government, the Foundation relies solely on fundraising to secure funds for research. Since inception in 2005, the Foundation has funded gene testing research to the tune of $84,000. This has resulted in a reliable, fast, affordable, nationally-available genetic testing service for the major HSP genes being established. The service enables neurologists, clinical geneticists, physicians and researchers to:
- Make positive diagnoses of HSP – currently they rely mainly on clinical exam of physical symptoms and the condition is not uncommonly mis-diagnosed
- Help with family planning choices for HSPers
- Undertake gene mapping towards preventing the disease in future generations, and
- Build a genetic information database for targeting future therapies to treat the disease.
Read more about the Gene Testing Service.