Cosmetic therapy for motoneuronal diseases

Dr Frederic Meunier, a winner of UniQuest's annual Trailblazer innovation competition, is developing a treatment for motoneuronal diseases based on modifying botox.

Motoneuronal diseases cause a degeneration of the nerve pathways controlling muscle activity. The diseases are severe and physically debilitating disorders which lead to progressive weakness and wasting of muscles. Many of the diseases are incurable.

Meunier is developing botox to selectively deliver drugs to motoneurons to directly treat motorneuron diseases.

"The aim of our lab is to understand the molecular mechanism underlying neuronal communication," Meunier said.

"The legacy of millions of years of evolution and competition between venomous species has resulted in deadly neurotoxins capable of blocking neuronal communication. I am using our knowledge of the mode of action of these neurotoxins to design a selective motoneuron delivery system that could change our way of treating motoneuronal diseases."

UniQuest managing director David Henderson said the Trailblazer judges were impressed by Meunier's research and the opportunities surrounding it.

"The therapeutic applications of this research are important, as it could help prevent or cure motoneuronal diseases," Henderson said.

"Also, the research potentially has important applications for the treatment of other diseases."

Trailblazer is event designed to reward and inspire researchers as well as promote innovative research with commercial potential.