UPDATE: A groundbreaking trial aimed at helping paralysed patients regain mobility has been thrown into turmoil following the abrupt departure of key leadership at the Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA). Volunteers involved in the eWalk2 trial, which is crucial for spinal cord injury research, are left confused and disappointed as researchers scramble to secure a new institution to continue the study.
The multimillion-dollar initiative, fully funded by taxpayers and charities, was based at NeuRA in Sydney, which is currently undergoing significant restructuring. The chaos erupted after NeuRA announced it would not renew contracts for the scientists leading the trial, with sources indicating that all three related clinical trials could collapse as a result.
“I am bitterly disappointed,” said Terry Lewis, a participant who has been paralysed since 2018. Lewis actively worked to recruit others for the trial. “We put a lot of time into helping the researchers, trying to move forward. I don’t understand why this has happened. We haven’t been given any answers. I don’t know what’s going on.”
An anonymous researcher involved with the trials expressed deep concern over the situation, noting that negotiations are still ongoing. “There was a request by a charity to have another four or six months to not cause this chaos, but they [NeuRA] did not want to do that. It is unprecedented, to be honest,” the researcher stated, highlighting the urgency of the matter.
In a shocking turn of events, NeuRA suspended co-founder and deputy director Professor Simon Gandevia in September, leaving colleagues and stakeholders stunned. This decision has raised further questions about the future of the eWalk2 trial and the stability of ongoing research at the institute.
The implications of this disruption are profound, affecting not only the participants eager for advancements in treatment but also the broader scientific community. As researchers and volunteers await clarity, the situation remains fluid and developing, with many expressing anxiety over the fate of the trials.
Authorities and stakeholders are now closely monitoring this evolving crisis, emphasizing the need for swift resolution to prevent the loss of crucial research momentum. With countless lives potentially hanging in the balance, the urgency for transparency and action has never been greater.
For those affected and invested in spinal injury research, the coming days will be critical. Stakeholders are urged to stay informed as updates unfold, and the community rallies to support the continuation of these lifesaving trials.
