MS researchers win Thermo Scientific Cellome Award

Thermo Fisher Scientific has presented its 2014 Cellome Award to the authors of the article ‘A regenerative approach to the treatment of multiple sclerosis’, featured in the October 2013 issue of Nature.

The Thermo Scientific Cellome Award is presented annually by Thermo Fisher Scientific’s cellular imaging and analysis business to the authors of the most impactful peer-reviewed article which showcases high-content technology as a fundamental method. Papers using Thermo Scientific cellular imaging and analysis products are collected and reviewed throughout the year, and one paper is selected which represents the best use of high-content technology in life science research.

Contributing to the paper’s selection was the use of high-content technology and its potential clinical impact by showing the effectiveness of benztropine administration alone or in conjunctive therapy in a multiple sclerosis model to enhance remyelination and functional recovery.

“This in vivo evidence contributes to the development of novel therapies in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and ultimately improved clinical management of this patient population,” said Audra Ziegenfuss, technical product manager, cellular imaging and analysis, Thermo Fisher.

Vishal Deshmukh, of The Scripps Research Institute, accepted the award on behalf of his colleagues during the Cambridge Healthtech Institute’s High Content Analysis Meeting. He explained that he took “a phenotypic rather than target-based approach using various readouts, including high-throughput, high-content imaging”.

“I am extremely happy to receive this award as recognition of our HCI-HTS efforts and hope to continue using this approach in various other assays,” he added.