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MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL
Research Strategy for CFS/ME published 1st May 2003 A step in the right direction – but is this enough? This strategy was developed by an Independent Research Advisory Group. It was informed by contributions from patients, carers, charities, patient groups, researchers and clinicians via a consultation exercise in Summer 2002. The strategy makes some important recommendations, not least confirming once again that ME/CFS is a “real, serious and debilitating condition, and that research into all aspects are needed.” In the short term the MRC identify the need for studies into;
“Whilst studies into cause have merit, they may not have the same immediate impact on increasing understanding, nor reduce the suffering of patients. The strategy offers hope on recognising that as with other illnesses, effective treatments may be identified in advance of understanding the cause.” The MRC has issued a “Highlight” notice to the research community welcoming high quality proposals “across the entire spectrum of CFS/ME.” A consequence of “highlighting” is that when scoring proposals to decide which will be funded, those for CFS/ME studies will be given extra “weighting.” However as there are already 16 other “highlighted” research areas, this does not necessarily mean that funds will be available. Research in the UK is seen by many as under-funded and that the overall MRC budget is limited and seen by some as inadequate. Let us hope this indicates change. The MRC are also exploring the potential to hold a scientific meeting to advance epidemiological research, potentially by tapping into data available from other large population studies and information databases. For too long the scientific community has disregarded the severity and impact of CFS/ME, we hope the recognition shown in this report will mark an important change.
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