Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Clinical Trial

St George’s Hospital has treated its first participant in a new early-phase clinical trial for MND.

David, a local patient living with MND, received the trial drug under the care of Dr Pablo Garcia Reitboeck, Consultant Neurologist. This marks the first time St George’s has taken part in an early-phase study for motor neurone disease. We are one of only three hospitals in the UK currently recruiting for this research.

David is the fifth person in the UK to receive the investigational drug, VHB937. By taking part, he is helping bring cutting-edge research closer to home for people in south west London and Surrey affected by MND.

VHB937 is designed to target microglia, immune cells in the brain and spinal cord that help clear away damaged or dead cells. These cells carry a protein called TREM2. When TREM2 is activated, it may help microglia protect nearby nerve cells, including motor neurones.

Early research has shown that VHB937 may improve how microglia function, supporting the survival of motor neurones. The hope is that the drug may slow the progression of MND.

The study will assess whether VHB937 delays the need for permanent breathing support (ventilation). It will also look at whether the drug helps people maintain their ability to carry out daily activities, using the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R).

This is a major step forward for St George’s MND research and for patients who can now access innovative trials through their local hospital.