An update on Lighthouse II: Tasmania's first multi-centre motor neurone disease therapeutic trial

June 2022

This time last year we asked for your help in raising funds for an exciting new medical research trial - Lighthouse II.

The randomised double-blind placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial of Triumeq is examining potential treatment options and ways to slow down the progression of Motor Neurone Disease.

Led by Launceston General Hospital neurologist Dr Lauren Giles, it is the first time an international multi-centre MND therapeutic trial has been offered locally in Tasmania.

Previously, patients with MND would need to travel interstate to access clinical trials.

But with Lighthouse II now underway, Tasmanian patients living with this debilitating disease have been offered some new hope.

This includes St Marys woman Mandy Turner, who was the first patient to be recruited to the trial.

Mandy first started experiencing symptoms in July 2019. By September that year, at the age of 48, she was diagnosed with MND.

In her words, it was the hardest thing she’s ever had to hear.

“It’s a terminal diagnosis,” she said.

“The hardest part for me was how my family would feel.

“How was I going to tell my husband and my boys?”

Despite the challenges that have been thrown her way, Mandy remains committed to staying positive and to doing as much as she can - while she can.

She was also given some new hope when she heard about Lighthouse II.

“As soon as Lauren told me there would be a trial, I just said ‘sign me up’,” Mandy said.

“Without research, there is no hope for people like me.

“Without research, there is no hope for anyone living with MND.”

The trial is being run at multiple international sites, and in Australia is being co-ordinated by Macquarie University.

Through participation in this trial, Dr Giles said the LGH was establishing links with the MND research community in Australia, with potential future research collaborations.

“Research into motor neurone disease helps us to better understand this complex disease and trial new therapies to treat the disease,” Dr Giles said.

“We strive to improve outcomes for people living with MND, through well-coordinated care and access to new treatments through clinical trials.

“I’m grateful to the Clifford Craig Foundation for their support in establishing MND research in Launceston.”

Mandy and her husband Chris.

Mandy and her two sons, Bradley and Samuel.