MS researcher receives funding as part of new collaboration

Montreal, QC – Multiple sclerosis (MS) researcher Dr Jeffery D Haines has received the first of four awards being given as part of a new collaboration between the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé (FRQS) and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada (MSSC). Dr Haines will receive $54,000 in 2011-2012 to support his research into the disease.

After completing his doctoral studies in the Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics at McGill University, Dr Haines chose to pursue his career in MS research at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, where he is currently working with Dr Patricia Casaccia, a world-renowned expert in the field.

The research carried out by Dr Haines’ team suggests that remyelisation processes for neuronal protection could play a key role in stopping the progression of MS. Myelin is the protective sheath that covers nerves. In MS patients, the myelin deteriorates and the repair process is ineffective.

Over the course of the next three years, he will work to determine the factors that trigger MS and the mechanisms that disrupt damaged tissue repair. He says he hopes that his studies will lead to the discovery of means to prevent the development of multiple sclerosis and foster function recovery.

The two organizations say that in total, four MS research training awards will be handed out under the partnership. This year’s recipient submitted an application for funding to the postdoctoral training award competition held by the FRSQ and the MS Society of Canada. The project earned the scientific pass score set by the FRQS-MSSC peer committee and was therefore granted the first award.