fbpx
DMD research

We Invest £75,000 In Nutraceutical Research Project

In May 2020, Duchenne UK provided an update to this project, read here.

11.07.2016

Duchenne UK is pleased to announce a new research project with Professor Steve Winder in the Department of Biomedical Science at the University of Sheffield.

Earlier this year, Duchenne UK approached Professor Steve Winder to ask him to investigate the mechanism of action of a nutraceutical called Haelan 951. Haelan is a commercially available health drink, made from fermented soy, and is used by some patients in the Duchenne community. 

The drink is expensive to buy, with the recommended dose costing up to £15,000 a year.

The benefit of Haelan 951 in Duchenne muscular dystrophy is entirely anecdotal, with many parents reporting benefit. Yet no scientific study has been conducted into its use for DMD.

This project will test Haelan 951 against two of its most likely active ingredients in cells, and in mouse models of DMD.

Emily Crossley, co-founder of Duchenne UK says;

“Haelen 951 is prohibitively expensive for most families, and its benefits have only been anecdotally reported. We’re trying to seek scientific answers to the questions of if, and why, it may have benefit. Once we have these answers, we may be in a position to look for cheaper alternatives.”

Duchenne UK is investing £75,000 in this 12-month study. The project is part of our pro-active research strategy, to seek treatments for this generation of patients.

Professor Steve Winder says:

“I’m really excited to be working with Duchenne UK to investigate the mechanisms that may underlie the possible benefits of soy products for the treatment of DMD.”

Published on 7 November 2016

Share this article
Categories