Muscular Dystrophy UK grant to fund University of Cambridge study of dietary supplements as treatment for mitochondrial myopathy

Dietary supplements will be explored as a potential new treatment for people with a type of mitochondrial myopathy thanks to grant funding from Muscular Dystrophy UK.

The research by Professor Rita Horvath and her team at the University of Cambridge is one of 12 research projects to receive a share of £1.7million from the charity, which works for more than 110,000 children and adults in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle wasting and weakening conditions.

Prof Horvath, professor of neurogenetics, said: “If we show that selected amino acids benefit patients with mt-aaRS changes, it will immediately change the management of these patients in the UK, and internationally.

“We will perform further studies to optimise the dose and administration, but amino acids are cheap and considered to be food supplements. They can therefore easily be given to patients even in the NHS.

“In the long term, our results can change the clinical practice of some mitochondrial diseases and will benefit translational research and clinical trials in other mitochondrial and neuromuscular disorders.”

Dr Kate Adcock, director of research and innovation at Muscular Dystrophy UK, said: “Every year at Muscular Dystrophy UK, we look to fund the highest quality research that will not only bring research forward but also improve the lives of people living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions.

“We’re delighted to be funding Professor Rita Horvath and her team at the University of Cambridge to explore dietary supplements as a potential new treatment for mitochondrial myopathies.”

The 12 new grants bring the total number of research projects funded by Muscular Dystrophy UK to 51.

The charity also offers expert advice and support for the muscle wasting community, works with the NHS towards universal access to specialist healthcare and campaigns for people’s rights, better understanding, accessibility, and access to treatments.

Its autumn fundraising run - the Bidwells Cambridge 10k - returns on Sunday 6 October 2024. Visit musculardystrophyuk.org/cambridge-10k to register.