Aug 24, 2009
Duke Researcher Awarded Grant for Multiple Sclerosis Research
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has recently committed $15.8 million to support 45 new MS research projects as part of its $40 million international investment this year alone to spur momentum in cutting-edge MS research. More than $499,000 of these funds are allocated for Dr. Simon Gregory of Duke University. This financial commitment is the latest in the Society’s relentless research effort to prevent, treat and cure MS.
Dr. Gregory is an assistant professor in the division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine at Duke University. His primary research revolves around the detection of genes involved in multiple sclerosis. With his research on “Defining the functional role of a novel MS susceptibility gene,” he is able to further advance efforts to find a cure for MS. He joins a team of over 350 investigators in the U.S. and abroad supported by the Society who share the goal of achieving a world free of MS.
“The National MS Society’s research program constantly strives to move us closer to a world free of this disease,” says Jeff Furst, president of the Society’s Eastern NC Chapter. “Our longstanding investment has paid off with new treatments and better methods of diagnosis and disease management for people with MS. We are thankful for Dr. Gregory’s contributions to drive the multiple sclerosis movement forward with his continued commitment and outstanding work.”
To ensure the scientific merit of each research proposal selected, the National MS Society relies on expert advisory committees that include more than 70 world-class scientists who volunteer their time to carefully evaluate hundreds of proposals every year.
Dr. Gregory, his research team and partners also received a $1 million grant from the On the Shoulders of Giants: the Carolina’s Campaign to Cure MS initiative in April.