14 March 2008

Commenting on the HFE Bill and the potential delay in introducing new therapies Director of Campaigns and Policy at the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, Robert Meadowcroft, said:

“The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign has been a major funder of groundbreaking research for almost 50 years - muscular dystrophy and allied conditions are devastating and life-limiting diseases. It is vital that progress in this area is maintained and not held up as there is potential for research to start to move from the laboratory bench to the patient's bedside.

“Unfortunately, as the Bill stands, new therapies arising from stem cell research could not be introduced without further primary legislation. Families living with neuromuscular conditions cannot afford to wait for another three years for such legislation to be introduced to allow therapies to be developed and brought forward.

“We hope that the amendments tabled in the House of Lords that would enable research to move swiftly from the bench to the bedside will be debated and supported as the House of Commons considers the Bill."

- ENDS -

Muscular Dystrophy Campaign supporter, Jane Field, appeared on Sky News and BBC News 24 on Sunday 23 March 2008 to discuss her thoughts and those of the charity with regard to the HFE Bill.

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The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign is the only national charity focusing on all muscle diseases. It invests £3 million a year in care support services, research, muscle centres, networks, information and resources. It has pioneered the search for treatments and cures for over 47 years and provides practical, medical and emotional support to people affected.

For further information please contact the press office: Sal Lalji on 0207 803 4844, mobile: 07971 151910 or email: press@muscular-dystrophy.org
Notes to Editors:

  • More than 60,000 people in the UK have muscular dystrophy or a related muscle disease. A further 300,000 people are affected indirectly as parents, siblings or carers.
  • Muscle diseases weaken and/or waste muscles. The conditions can be inherited or acquired and can affect people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities. There are currently no cures.