RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences and FutureNeuro, the SFI centre for neurological diseases at RCSI, have been recognised at the Irish Pharma Industry Awards for their pioneering contributions to epilepsy research and development.

The Irish Pharma Industry Awards celebrate the most original and innovative individuals and companies that demonstrate excellence in the Irish pharma industry.

A team led by Professor David Henshall and FutureNeuro Funded Investigator Dr Cristina Reschke earned the Research and Development Award for pioneering microRNA therapeutics for the treatment of epilepsy and their sustained industry engagement and commercialisation of this research.

MicroRNAs play a key role in regulating the production of proteins in the body. The researchers found that a certain microRNA is abnormally high in people with epilepsy. Through pre-clinical testing, they have determined that drugs that silence these microRNAs can reduce seizures.

Treatments such as this have entered into clinical trials for other diseases; however, this is the first microRNA-based therapy under advanced development for epilepsy treatment. If it is successful, it would be a groundbreaking treatment for those with epilepsy who do not benefit from current medications.

“Epilepsy can be a debilitating disease, with seizures interrupting everyday life for some patients,” said Professor David Henshall, RCSI Professor of Molecular Physiology and Neuroscience and Director of FutureNeuro. “Seizures in 30% to 40% of patients with epilepsy fail to respond to antiepileptic drugs or other treatments. If we are able to further this research to a successful treatment of the disease, it would improve patients’ quality of life immeasurably.”

Professor Fergal O’Brien, RCSI’s Director of Research and Innovation, said: “I would like to congratulate Professor Henshall and the entire FutureNeuro team on winning this prestigious award – it is very well deserved and a testament to their world-class epilepsy research.

“This pioneering work was made possible through industry collaborations and a willingness by everyone involved to advance new approaches that will hopefully result in a significant benefit to patients. I look forward to the scientific achievements that these researchers will continue to bring from their labs to patients.”