Last week, the APPG for MS visited the MS Society Tissue Bank. The group heard about the exciting developments being made in cutting-edge MS research.
What is the MS Society Tissue Bank?
The APPG, chaired by Oliver Ryan MP, toured the MS Society Tissue Bank, based at Imperial College London. The MS Society Tissue Bank allows people to donate their brain and spinal cord tissue for MS research after their death.
It's a vital resource, with donated tissue helping scientists around the world learn more about MS and find new treatments. We’ve been funding the Tissue Bank for nearly 30 years.
The APPG brings together MPs and Peers who want to tackle issues facing people living with MS. It gives parliamentarians a chance to hear directly from experts and people affected by MS. And to advocate for change in Parliament. We support the APPG as its secretariat.
What happened on the tour?
The tour began with a talk from Professor Steve Gentleman. He’s the Head of the Division of Neuroscience in the Department of Brain Sciences at Imperial. He explained about various brain samples and pathologies. And shared how the Tissue Bank supports cutting-edge MS research across the world.
Parliamentarians met researchers, heard about the exciting work being done at the Tissue Bank, and observed a tissue dissection. Throughout the visit the group discussed how far MS research has advanced in recent years. And what needs to be done to accelerate its progress.
The tour showed how important government investment in innovative research is. We need this investment to support people affected by MS, both now and in the future.
What did Parliamentarians think?
Oliver Ryan MP, Chair of the APPG for MS, said:
It’s been incredibly eye-opening to learn about the fascinating work being done at the MS Society Tissue Bank. Speaking with researchers and seeing the work first-hand shows how crucial research is for improving the lives of people living with MS, both now and in the future.
Catherine Godbold, our Senior Research Communications Manager said:
It’s brilliant to see Parliamentarians showing such an interest in the work being done at the Tissue Bank, which we are incredibly proud to support.
Studying human tissue has enabled researchers to learn more about MS and is helping find new treatments for the condition. It could hold the key to stopping MS for good.
That’s why the UK Government must support MS research, to prioritise a sector that supports people’s health and the UK economy.
What’s next for the APPG?
The APPG for MS will meet together with the APPG for Parkinson’s in June. They'll discuss how the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system could be improved for people with neurological conditions.
How to get involved
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