The MS Society welcomes the decision by MPs to allow scientists to use
'hybrid' human - animal embryos in research into conditions such as multiple
sclerosis (MS).
Jayne Spink, Director of Policy and Research at the MS Society, said:
"This really is a victory for common sense.
"Allowing scientists to further explore this avenue of
research may prove to be hugely beneficial not just to the 85,000 people with
multiple sclerosis (MS), but to the hundreds of thousands of people living
with debilitating, degenerative and life limiting conditions.
"The MS Society believes it is essential to keep all possible
avenues of research open and supports the use of the best technology
available to achieve its goals of finding effective treatments for people
with MS."
- The MS Society (mssociety) is the UK's
largest charity dedicated to supporting everyone whose life is touched by
MS, providing respite care, an award-winning freephone helpline
(0808-800-8000), specialist MS nurses and funds around 40 vital MS
research projects in the UK.
- Multiple sclerosis is the most common disabling neurological
disorder affecting young adults and an estimated 85,000 people in the UK
have MS.
- MS is the result of damage to myelin - the protective sheath
surrounding nerve fibres of the central nervous system - which interferes
with messages between the brain and the body.
- For some people, MS is characterised by periods of relapse and
remission while for others it has a progressive pattern.
- Symptoms range from loss of sight and mobility, fatigue,
depression and cognitive problems. There is no cure and few effective
treatments.
Multiple Sclerosis Society