The Cure Programme
Securing the team for the next leap
Since our inception in 2005, CatWalk has relentlessly pursued innovative solutions to overcome the barriers to curing spinal cord injuries. Over the past two decades, we have nurtured local research from its infancy to developing a world-renowned multidisciplinary team. Now, we are taking the next big step.
Meet the Spine Squad
Professor Darren Svirskis leads a new, dedicated research team, the Spine Squad. They are based in the Centre for Brain Research at the University of Auckland. They’re a multi-disciplinary team, taking a novel approach, and all driven to find a cure.
The Spine Squad are integrating four proven streams of research in ways not done anywhere else. They are stimulating injured tissue to replace cells that have been lost or damaged to improve motor and sensory function.
This regenerative approach is different and complementary to others around the world. Rather than bypassing the injury (neuromodulation), they’re looking to heal it, and plot the pathway to human clinical trials.
Our revolutionary Cure Programme
The classic research funding model works but does not provide continuity nor cross-discipline integrity. By leveraging existing grants, the Cure Programme will provide the Spine Squad with five years of sustained funding to keep them laser-focused on groundbreaking results.
By the end of this period, our New Zealand team of spinal cord researchers aims to achieve a major milestone – to demonstrate success in preclinical models that will be ready to translate to clinical trials.
Through this process we’ll also grow the research capability and expand our spinal cord injury workforce to continue the drive for a cure.
Vision for the future
By the end of this five-year journey, our efforts will culminate in a Centre of Excellence, harnessing the best minds in New Zealand and fostering strong international partnerships. This work will significantly accelerate the global pursuit of a cure for spinal cord injuries.
