Fresh hope has been given to people who suffer motor neuron disease as Australian scientists have developed a drug that has actively slowed the progression of the fatal illness.
According to The New Daily, researchers have been given positive results after the newly developed drug proved to have a high success rate at treating and slowing the development of the illness in 32 patients.
Although researchers say further clinical trials are needed before the drug becomes available, it has proven to be positive following 15 years of detailed research.
Describing the results as huge breakthrough, Professor Ashley Bush of the Melbourne Dementia Research Centre said the copper-delivery drug CuATSM slowed the progression of the illness in patients from Melbourne and Sydney by 70%.
Professor Bush also said the patients had improved lung function and cognition and there was a reduction in the decline of their motor disability.
It is expected that further trials of the drug will be carried out later this year which will hopefully prove its overall effectiveness.