Without a healthy brain, there is no healthy person. The NEUR-IN and CLA conference focused on current and future directions in the treatment of neurological diseases
On 15 May 2025, the National Institute for Neurological Research (NEURIN) in cooperation with the Czech Medical Academy (CMA) organised a professional conference entitled “Innovative Therapies – Two Sides of the Same Coin”. The event was held at the Prague Medical House and focused on current and future directions in the treatment of neurological diseases.
The conference program was opened by the scientific director of NEUR-IN, prof. MUDr. Milan Brázdil, Ph.D., who focused on the development of new treatment options for neurological diseases in the Czech Republic and presented the role of NEUR-IN in this area. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of the brain for the overall health of a person and the fact that modern medicine is not only about keeping the patient alive, but also about maintaining quality of life:
“Without a healthy brain, there is no healthy person.”
prof. MUDr. Milan Brázdil, Ph.D.
The second lecture was devoted to the introduction of gene therapy in SMA (spinal muscular atrophy) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which are examples of innovative treatments for neurological diseases. Treatment options were presented by doc. MUDr. Jana Haberlová, Ph.D. The effectiveness of new therapies was shown on specific cases known from the Czech media and the need for early diagnosis and individual approach to treatment was discussed.
From the ethical point of view, the conference was enriched by the presentation of Assoc. Mgr. Věra Franková, Ph.D. et Ph.D., who brought a reflection of the so-called ELSI aspects (ethical, legal, social implications) of gene therapy, i.e. the ethical, legal and social implications that the new approaches bring. The need for a broader societal discussion, education of professionals and the public and the creation of a framework for responsible implementation of new treatment options was expressed.
In the contribution of Prof. Přemysl Jiruška, MD, PhD, the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation across organizations involved in the development of innovative treatments and their integration into clinical practice was highlighted, from public authorities, through professional societies to the active involvement of patient organizations, which play a key role in promoting the availability of innovative treatments:
“You can’t deliver treatment for 2030 in health systems from the year 2000.”
prof. MUDr. Přemysl Jiruška, Ph.D.
In this context, the speakers also presented the NESPI initiative (National Expert Group for Innovative Treatment of Neurological Diseases), which aims to connect the clinical, research and governmental spheres with the needs of patients and their representatives.
We would like to thank all the speakers, participants and organizers for an inspiring afternoon full of professional content and open discussion on current topics in neurology. We at the National Institute for Neurological Research believe that the outcomes of the conference will promote further collaboration in the field of innovative neurological treatment and contribute to better future prospects not only in the Czech Republic.
