Recent MND breakthroughs include a novel molecule (MisfoldUbL) clearing toxic SOD1 proteins by UOW UOW (Nov 2025), a promising triple-drug combo from The Florey showing enhanced cell survival, and promising clinical results for drugs like NUN-004 (UQ) and Tofersen (Concord Hospital), indicating disease stabilization or improvement in patients. Key focuses are targeting SOD1 protein clumps, reducing inflammation, and using regenerative approaches like SPG302.
28 July 2025
Tofersen is an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) that targets the genetic instructions for the faulty SOD1 protein, meaning less faulty protein is made. Tofersen has been found to be beneficial in slowing disease progression in people with SOD1-MND.
Researchers at Durham University also found rugby players who have suffered multiple concussions have biological differences that may make them more prone to developing MND. The MND Association acknowledges there is a "correlation" between contact sports and MND.
Motor neurone disease (MND) affects around 5,000 people in the UK every year. There is currently no cure. An international clinical trial led by Professor Dame Pamela J Shaw in the UK has been shown to slow down progression of a type of motor neurone disease and could be a turning point for patient care.
In Japan, the approved dose of methylcobalamin for treatment of ALS/MND in adults is 50 mg a day, twice a week, injected intramuscularly.
The final stages of MND will usually involve gradual weakening of the breathing muscles and increasing sleepiness. This is usually the cause of death, either because of an infection or because the muscles stop working. Specialist palliative care supports quality of life through symptom control.
The "Japan 5-minute rule" refers to extreme punctuality, meaning you should arrive 5-10 minutes before a scheduled time, as being exactly on time is considered late, demonstrating respect and reliability, a concept sometimes called "5-minute prior action" (５分前行動). It highlights Japanese culture's emphasis on preparedness, where trains are so precise that delays over 5 minutes get official notes, making being early a crucial part of business and social etiquette.
“Our hypothesis is that exercise, if targeted to the needs of patients with MND and designed to account for the physiological basis of the disease, will have a neuroprotective effect and slow down the degeneration of motor neurons.”
What are the latest DMD treatment breakthroughs in 2025? Key updates include Elevidys gene therapy, Givinostat (Duvyzat), and next-gen exon-skipping drugs. These therapies offer better dystrophin production and muscle repair potential.
Although the use of stem cells as a treatment for MND may eventually be possible, the general perception among scientists and clinicians is that research in this area is not yet sufficiently well advanced.
On December 19, 2019, Rob announced he had been diagnosed with MND having first noticed problems with his speech during an awards ceremony.
Several meta-analyses have underscored the correlation between MND and stress caused by trauma, particularly head trauma. However, a clear causal relationship between the two has not been definitively established [ 28 , 29 ].
The Rugby League 40/20 rule rewards a team with a scrum (or tap restart) in a great attacking position if they kick the ball from behind their own 40-meter line, it bounces in the field of play, and goes into touch (out of bounds) inside the opponent's 20-meter line. This rule was designed to increase attacking opportunities, force wingers to defend deeper, and speed up play by giving attacking teams a significant advantage from a well-executed kick, preventing time-wasting restarts.
A new research project at University College London aims to use artificial intelligence (AI) to develop treatments that attack diseased cells while sparing healthy ones in MND patients. This will enable safer delivery of gene therapies.
Price and coverage.
The annual wholesale cost of Kisunla is set at $32,000, higher than its competitor, Leqembi, which costs $26,500. However, Kisunla might be more affordable for patients who only need short-term treatment, with potential costs ranging from $12,522 for six months to $48,696 for 18 months.
University of Wollongong (UOW) scientists have developed a breakthrough therapy that clears toxic proteins from nerve cells – a world-first discovery that advances the work of the late Professor Justin Yerbury and could transform the treatment of Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
Although the genetic causes for many types of MD have been identified, there is currently no cure for MD. Patients typically rely on physical therapy and oral corticosteroids for symptom management [5]. Recent research progress has offered great hope for cell and gene therapies.
Muscular Dystrophy UK Centre of Clinical Excellence with Research
Currently, there is no cure for muscular dystrophies.
Exercise plans for people living with MND
Researchers from the University of Sheffield have previously published work which suggested that there was a link between extreme exercise (more than 6 hours of strenuous exercise or more than 12 hours of any leisure-time exercise per week) and the risk of developing MND .
Brain volume increases in the areas that control thinking and memory after around 6 months of consistent exercise. We lose dopamine receptors (a kind of docking station that helps dopamine deliver its chemical reward to your cells) as we age.
The Japanese 80% rule, known as "Hara Hachi Bu", is a Confucian principle advising people to stop eating when they feel about 80% full, not completely stuffed, to support health and longevity. This practice encourages mindful eating, helps prevent overeating, and is linked to lower rates of illness and longer lifespans, particularly observed in Okinawan centenarians. It involves slowing down during meals, listening to your body's fullness cues, and appreciating food as fuel rather than indulging to the point of discomfort.
Using the time blocking method, Musk intentionally plans his day out in five-minute increments or 'time blocks. ' Each time block is assigned with a specific task or activity. For example, Musk could use the time blocking method when responding to overdue emails, eating meals or timing work meetings.