University neuro-medicines link with Japan

Edinburgh University has extended by five years its contract with Japan's Fujisawa Pharmaceuticals to find new medicines to treat neurodegenerative illnesses.

Edinburgh has been working closely with the Osaka-based company since 1989 when the pharmaceutical company established the Fujisawa Institute at the university.

This centre allows university-funded scientists and Fujisawa employees to work and study together under institute directors Professor John S Kelly and Dr John Sharkey.

Activity in recent years has concentrated on finding medicines for the immediate treatment of stroke and other neurodegenerative illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease. This work includes basic and pre-clinical research on "neuroprotectants" for acute stroke, and "cognitive enhancers", which are designed to enable those with impaired memory to use their remaining intellectual skills more effectively.

For further information please contact Edinburgh University, phone: +44 131 650 2246l, Fax: +44 131 650 2253.