MS Research Flagship
Newsletter

Partnering with industry to test potential myelin repair therapies

In the most recent MS Australia survey, people with MS identified “a treatment that promotes myelin repair” as their number one research priority.  For this reason, the MS Research Flagship is delighted to announce a new research collaboration with industry partner Novoron Bioscience.

Founded in San Diego, California in 2014 with the goal of developing novel therapies to promote nervous system repair, Novoron established an Australian branch, Novoroo Bioscience, earlier this year.  As part of that expansion, the MS Research Flagship’s Professor Kaylene Young and Novoron have entered into a multi-year research collaboration to test drugs with the potential to promote myelin repair.

Where it all began

In 2020, Professor Young’s research team discovered that a protein known as LRP1 stands in the way of myelin repair.

“I saw the potential of our discovery. If we could find a way to block LRP1 in the body, we should be able to promote myelin repair,” said Professor Young.  

This led to Novoron developing the drug NOVO-118 which has the potential to block LRP1 signalling in the brain.

The path ahead

Novoron and Professor Young's Glial Research Team now plan to build on their shared interest in LRP1 and find out whether targeting this receptor might lead to myelin repair.

“I have admired Professor Young’s research for a long time and am excited to partner with her to determine whether NOVO-118, and other new molecules we are developing, might be viable as novel remyelinating therapies for multiple sclerosis,” said Dr Travis Stiles, Novoron CEO and co-founder.

As part of this new partnership, Novoroo employee and neuroscientist, Dr Nicole Bye will work alongside Professor Young’s team at the Menzies Institute for Medical Research for the next two years testing the ability of NOVO-118 to replace lost myelin. They will also evaluate newer versions of NOVO-118 that may be more effective.

Dr Nicole Bye, Novoron CEO Dr Travis Stiles, Professor Kaylene Young

Scientists identify first genetic marker for MS severity

A study of more than 22,000 people with MS has discovered the first genetic variant associated with faster disease progression that can rob patients of their mobility and independence over time.

MS is the result of the immune system mistakenly attacking the brain and the spinal cord, resulting in symptom flares known as relapses as well as longer-term degeneration known as progression. Despite the development of effective treatments for relapses, none can reliably prevent the accumulation of disability.

The breakthrough findings, published in Nature, point to a genetic variant that increases the disease’s severity and provide the first real progress in understanding and eventually fighting this aspect of MS.

Inheriting this genetic variant from both parents accelerates the time to needing a walking aid by almost four years, the study found.

An international collaboration

The work, led by researchers from the University of California San Francisco and the University of Cambridge, was the result of a large international collaboration of more than 70 institutions from around the world, including the Menzies Institute for Medical Research.

Clinicians and scientists from Australia and New Zealand made significant data contributions to this project via the Australian and New Zealand MS Genetics Consortium (ANZgene).

“The current paper contains data from some 250 Tasmanians with MS, which has been collected over the last 13 years and collated at Menzies,” said the MS Research Flagship's Professor Bruce Taylor, study co-author and an active member of ANZgene.

Genetic variant pinpointed

Data from more than 12,000 people with MS was combined to complete a genome-wide association study which uses statistics to carefully link genetic variants to particular traits. In this case, the traits of interest were related to MS severity, including the years it took for each individual to advance from diagnosis to a certain level of disability.

After sifting through more than seven million genetic variants, the scientists found one that was associated with faster disease progression. The variant sits between two genes — one that’s involved in repairing damaged cells, the other that helps to control viral infections — with no prior connection to MS. The variant’s proximity to these genes suggests that they may be involved in the disease’s progression.

To confirm their findings, the scientists investigated the genetics of nearly 10,000 additional MS patients. Those with two copies of the variant became disabled faster.

Understanding how the variant exerts its effects on MS severity will hopefully pave the way to a new generation of treatments that are able to prevent disease progression.

Read the full media release.

ANZgene is funded and coordinated by MS Australia 

Young Tassie Scientists captivate during National Science Week

During National Science Week in August two of the MS Research Flagship’s PhD students took part in the Young Tassie Scientists program which aims to broaden the profile of science throughout Tasmania and to provide insights into working as a scientist.

Himanshu Saraswat, a geneticist and Surbhi Agarwal, a neuroscientist visited multiple schools in north and northwest Tasmania over several days. They spent time in classrooms speaking to students from primary school up to early high school and fielding a range of questions.

In his day job, Himanshu works on our MS Family study looking at the whole genome sequence of families that have more than one family member with MS to pinpoint rare gene variants that might be driving the risk for MS. In the classroom, however, he put the focus on sports and genetics.

“Children wanted to know everything from whether studying science is helpful for people who play sports or for someone who wants to be something other than a scientist through to what PhD life is like,” said Himanshu.

Surbhi, who is researching the effect of a rare gene variant on microglia cells and investigating molecular pathways relevant to MS development, spoke to children about the different lobes of the brain. They were curious about how big the brain is, why it’s the colour it is and why we don’t remember all the things that we studied in the class. They were most excited to learn that the lobe which controlled the eyes (occipital lobe) was at the back of the head.

“It was a fun learning experience for me as well as it was my first time teaching kids about the brain. Some kids even asked me to come back next time,” said Surbhi.

It was a rewarding week for all involved, and we applaud Himanshu and Surbhi for helping make science come alive for the next generation.

Surbhi selling science at Scottsdale Primary School. Photo credit: Scottsdale Primary School Facebook

Himanshu's hands-on demonstration at East Devonport Primary School. Photo credit: East Devonport Primary School Facebook

The MS Genetics Study

Almost everyone who goes on to develop MS has previously been infected with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), one of the most common human viruses. But although up to 95% of people worldwide are infected with EBV and carry the virus for life, only a fraction of these people will develop MS, and it’s unclear why.

Our MS Genetics Study, which involves collaborations with researchers from QIMR Berghofer, Mater Research Institute, and the Genome Institute of Singapore, will fill in the gaps about the role of EBV infection in MS development.

The new research, which has received $2m in funding from the Medical Research Future Fund, will investigate the connection between EBV and MS and the knowledge gained will be used to greatly improve MS diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

The first phase of the research will establish whether there are specific EBV genetic variations or strains that lead to greater MS risk and will assign them a risk score.

Chief investigator Dr Yuan Zhou says the findings will ultimately improve both diagnosis and treatment of MS.

“By creating an MS risk score, our research will improve MS screening, resulting in earlier diagnosis and therefore earlier treatment,” says Dr Zhou.

“Understanding the impact of EBV infection on the immune system will help refine an existing immunological (T cell) therapy for MS, developed by collaborators from QIMR Berghofer, that’s currently in a stage II clinical trial,” he adds.

Looking towards prevention

The research will also generate a library of EBV reference genomes specifically relevant to Australia which can be used to inform EBV vaccine design and contribute to preventative strategies against MS. 

“As a person with MS it’s exciting to hear about research that will bring us closer to understanding the cause of and maybe even preventing the development of MS,” says Dr Anna Ritchie, one of the study’s two associate investigators with lived experience.

“Dr Zhou’s research project will bring us new knowledge on why EBV is an important part of the picture. We can then use this knowledge to develop prevention strategies so that my children and the wider community are less likely to have to deal with the challenges of living with MS,” she adds.

Find out more

If you’re interested in participating or want more information please contact Dr Chhavi Asthana:

• ☎️ (03) 6226 4226
• ✉️ chhavi.asthana@utas.edu.au
• 🌐 MS Genetics Study

MS Genetics Study research team members (left to right) Dr Yuan Zhou, Dr Nicholas Blackburn, Dr Chhavi Asthana, Professor Kathryn Burdon, Eleanor Sabey, Professor Bruce Taylor

The MS Genetics Study is funded by the Medical Research Future Fund.

Why consumer involvement?

The different perspectives and lived experiences that consumers bring to research improves its quality, relevance and impact, which is why consumer and community involvement (CCI) underpins every aspect of the MS Research Flagship's operations and projects.

To illustrate this, we've asked people who have embraced CCI in their research to share their experience.

This month we hear from Postdoctoral Research Fellow Dr Chhavi Asthana.

“I’ve had a great experience working with consumers on my research into genetics and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in multiple sclerosis. They’ve provided feedback on written material for participants in my study which has helped us improve it and make it easier to understand. They’ve asked questions and sometimes raised concerns about the practicality of the project, pointing out potential roadblocks but also offering us possible solutions. Their input has helped us to address anticipated problems, make modifications and eliminate issues before we proceed, as a result allowing the study to run more smoothly.”

Dr Chhavi Asthana, EBV & genetics study

Dr Chhavi Asthana

Young Tall Poppy Award

Dr Yuan Zhou, who leads MS genomics research at the MS Research Flagship, has been honoured with a Tasmanian Tall Poppy Science Awards for 2023.

The annual awards, created by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science, recognise and celebrate the achievements of Australian scientists. The awards honour up-and-coming scientists who combine world-class research with an enthusiastic commitment to communicating science.

“I’m extremely proud to be named a Tall Poppy, particularly as it recognises the significant impact my research can have on the community.

"My research aims to understand the factors that cause MS and lead to its progression. We can use the information to help us understand the biological changes that cause MS and develop new, better treatments,” Dr Zhou said.

The prestigious awards, now in their 25th year, will be presented at a ceremony in September.

Young Tall Poppy Dr Yuan Zhou

Incubator Grant recipient

Post-doctoral researcher Natalie King has been awarded a $24,565 MS Australia incubator grant.

Natalie and her research team are focused on repairing myelin, the protective sheath around nerves damaged in MS.

Her project will help to uncover the mechanisms that hinder myelin repair in MS and understand which factors can guide cells towards generating new myelin. With this knowledge, the researchers hope to find ways to promote brain repair in people with MS, leading to new therapeutic options for MS.

Learn more about Natalie and her project in this Meet the Researcher video.

Video credit: MS Australia

Academic promotion

Dr Julie Campbell, Senior Research Fellow, has been promoted to Level C in the University of Tasmania's first academic promotion round for 2023.

Understanding Multiple Sclerosis

Understanding MS, our award-winning massive open online course (MOOC), is now open.

Ranked in the top 10 best MOOCs of all time by Class Central, this free course consists of six modules addressing the areas of biology and pathology, diagnosis and symptoms, demographics, risk factors, disease management and support strategies for living with MS.

To date more than 39,000 people from 170+ countries worldwide have enrolled since the course began in 2019. And research has shown the course significantly improves MS-related knowledge, health literacy and confidence communicating about MS.

If you've completed the course before, why not consider doing a refresher? Along with new content on MS and sleep, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, pregnancy and MS and trends in MS prevalence, captions are now available on all course videos. 

We look forward to welcoming all participants!

Course at a glance

• Opens: Open now
• Duration: 6 weeks
• Closes: 13th Nov 2023, 5pm (AEDT)
• Effort: 2 hours per week
• Completion certificate: Yes
• Cost: FREE

The Understanding MS MOOC is supported by MS Plus, MS Australia and the Medical Research Future Fund.

Dr Rebecca Banham has worked for several years as a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Tasmania, where she completed her PhD in environmental sociology in 2019. In this time her work has focused primarily on qualitative investigations of religious diversity and nonreligion in Australia, and work exploring experiences and concepts of wellbeing in Tasmania. Rebecca will be working with Professor Bruce Taylor on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) project (evaluating the factors influencing NDIS participation and its impact among Australians with MS).

Dr Rebecca Banham

Dr Nicole Bye has recently joined Professor Kaylene Young’s research group as an industry scientist to carry out a collaborative project with Novoroo Biosciences exploring the therapeutic efficacy of novel drugs in mouse models of MS. She comes to this role with extensive experience in performing preclinical trials for traumatic brain injury, through research positions at the Alfred Hospital/Monash University, the University of Melbourne, and the School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology at the University of Tasmania.

Dr Nicole Bye