Funding towards the position of Neuromuscular Clinical Trials Staff Specialist Neurologist, held by Dr. Ian Woodcock.

Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) - Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne

Funding towards the position of Neuromuscular Clinical Trials Staff Specialist Neurologist, held by Dr. Ian Woodcock.

Clinical trial activities, such as patient assessments, safety monitoring, and data review, are increasingly time-consuming, and there has in recent years been a rapid increase in the number and complexity of the studies in which the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne are engaged. These activities and studies are of critical importance and hence the Hospital always needs a Neuromuscular Neurologist on site and available at short notice.

In the role of Neuromuscular Clinical Trials Specialist Neurologist, Dr. Ian Woodcock has ensured that the Hospital can always have a Principle or Associate Investigator available to deal with trial-related queries, assessments and issues. While Dr Woodcock has been in this role, the clinical trial activity of the neuromuscular team has increased to twelve active clinical trials (eight in DMD) with in total more than fifty participants enrolled in neuromuscular clinical trials (more than 35 boys with DMD).

This appointment has not only allowed more patients to be seen in clinic but has also allowed more patients with neuromuscular disorders to be included in clinical trials. This outstanding achievement points to what can be achieved through collaboration between the Hospital, a clinical centre, pharma and support organisations such as Save Our Sons.

Due to the importance of this role for the Duchenne and Becker community in Australia, and its real and meaningful positive impact, Save Our Sons Duchenne Foundation will provide almost $160,000 over three years towards the cost of the position.

Save Our Sons are proud to collaborate with such a wonderful institution, and the team led by the incredible Professor Monique Ryan, and ensure that critically important positions within her team, such as this one held by the fabulous Ian Woodcock, are able to continue and provide such a valuable contribution to the Duchenne and Becker community in Australia.