Monday, 24th November 2008
FIRST EVER DRUG TRIAL FOR FRIEDREICH ATAXIA IN AUSTRALIA

FARA(A) isvery excited to announce the approval of the very first clinical drug trial in Friedriech Ataxia in Australia.
ADeferiprone Phase II double blind trial will commence shortly under Associate Professor Martin Delatycki in Melbourne. Participants will be aged 7 to 17 years old, Australia wide. This is a very significant step for FA patients and their families, many of whom have been waiting many years for this important breakthrough.
The Australian site is part of an international,multi-centre, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled six month clinical trial. Other participating sites include Belgium, France, Italy, Spain and London, UK.
On behalf of FARA(A) and all FA families, we strongly encourage the Australian FA community to support our involvement in this international trial. The results of the trial will be crucial in moving us towards an effective treatment and cure for FA.
Should you or your family member be interested in participating in this trial, or if you would like further information, please contact Varlli Beetham our Executive Director on 03 8615 4808 or varlli@fara.org.au as soon as possible.
Yours sincerely,
Emeritus Professor Peter Rousch AM
President