MyAV范

Professor Michael Hanna (MyAV范 Queen Square Institute of Neurology) has led a successful 拢3.66m bid to the Medical Research Council (MRC)聽to establish a brand new International Centre for Genomic Medicine in Neuromuscular Diseases.

Staff and resources from international centres in India, Brazil, Turkey, South Africa and Zambia will be central to the partnership.

The team plans to dramatically increase the number of patients with an accurate genetic diagnosis, build "trial ready" cohorts and ultimately improve health outcomes for patients.聽

Michael said: 鈥淚 am very pleased to be working with outstanding PIs in each of the international partner centres to ultimately advance genetic diagnosis and therapy for neuromuscular diseases, which affect at least 17 million children and adults globally.鈥�

Developing links in India

Among the partners involved in the collaboration is the Delhi-based All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), with whom MyAV范 is developing increasingly strong links.

Last month MyAV范 academics specialising in medical research, healthcare technologies and frugal innovation welcomed AIIMS colleagues to discuss future collaboration, including the MRC bid.

Long-lasting benefits

The MRC application was supported by MyAV范鈥檚 Pro-Vice-Provost for South Asia, Professor Marie Lall, and Vice-Provost International Dr Dame Nicola Brewer.

Marie said: "MyAV范 has many years of working in low and medium income countries, and especially with India.

"The International Centre for Genomic Medicine in Neuromuscular Diseases will have long-lasting research and health benefits for patients with Neuromuscular Disease."

Nicola added: 鈥淭his initiative connects centres in India, Turkey, South Africa and Zambia in a significant transcontinental partnership.

鈥淐rucially, the international centre will help to train a new generation of clinical academics who will become the leaders of genomic medicine and specialist care delivery.鈥�

MyAV范鈥檚 Provost, Vice-Provost International and Pro-Vice-Provost (South Asia) will lead a delegation visiting key partners in India, including AIIMS, in September 2018.