Multiple sclerosis research innovations supported by MS Australia grants

This image contains two seperate professional headshots side by side. On the left is Simon Murray, a pale bald man with a navy shirt. On the right is Mohammad Haskali, a man of light brown skin with brown hair and a dark purple shirt. — Associate Professor Simon Murray and Dr Mohammad Haskali

Two researchers from the University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences have been awarded MS Incubator Grants by MS Australia to investigate the neurological disease, multiple sclerosis diagnosis and new ways of treating patients.

Dr Mohammad (Mo) Haskali and his team from the Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology will be developing new methods to monitor flare-ups in MS. Dr Haskali received $25,000.

Using brain tracers for specific proteins on brain cells, the researchers hope to accurately visualise and monitor inflammation occurring in real time, to improve the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of MS.

Their overall aim is to facilitate better treatment strategies for people with MS.

Associate Professor Simon Murray and his team from the School of Biomedical Sciences, will gain knowledge into how myelin is formed and maintained throughout life. Associate Professor Murray received $18,000.

This work could contribute to the development of new targeted therapies that could promote myelin repair. In addition, these new therapies may have a positive effect on learning, memory, and overall brain health as people age.