Institute
renamed

Our name
has changed
to the
Perron Institute

Find out more

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World
breakthrough
offers new
hope

WA researchers achieve
world breakthrough -
new treatment approved
by the FDA
for Duchenne
muscular dystrophy

Find out more

See Video

The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science (formerly the Western Australian Neuroscience Research Institute – WANRI) is Western Australia’s longest established medical research institute. One of our special strengths is the depth of links between the institute’s laboratory research and its 15 specialist clinics. We undertake cutting edge research on a broad spectrum of conditions including stroke, Parkinson’s, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis. This multidisciplinary approach enables us to translate research outcomes into treatments aimed at providing a better quality of life for millions of people around the world who suffer with devastating neurological conditions.

Our Patron

Her Excellency the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AC

Governor of Western Australia – Patron

Her Excellency the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AC became the inaugural female Governor of Western Australia in October 2014. Her Excellency has had a distinguished career in government and business and was named an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2004 for service to the development and management of the port and maritime industries in Australia, and to public sector governance in the areas of finance and transport in Western Australia. In June 2016 Her Excellency was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia.

Our Research

Leaders In Molecular Genetics

Molecular Genetic Therapy Research

The Perron Institute’s Molecular Genetic Therapy Research led by Professors Steve Wilton and Sue Fletcher has a long history of cutting-edge research on novel genetic therapies for neuromuscular disorders, particularly Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Recently their exon skipping drug Exondys 51 (eteplirsen) received accelerated approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). More

The main focus of their research is the use of small genetic ‘patches’ called antisense oligonucleotides (AOs) to mask part of a genetic message associated with a particular inherited disease. More

Stroke Research

The objective of the Perron Institute’s Stroke Research led by Adjunct Associate Professor Bruno Meloni and Clinical Professor Neville Knuckey is to develop treatments to minimise brain damage after stroke and cerebral ischaemia.

Stroke is Australia’s second biggest killer after coronary heart disease and a leading cause of disability. One in six people will suffer from a stroke during their lifetime with over 400,000 Australians currently living with the debilitating aftereffects of the disorder. By 2032, it is estimated that over 700,000 Australian will be living with the effects of stroke. More

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Research

Multiple Sclerosis Research

Our Demyelinating Diseases Research is dedicated to investigating the causes of multiple sclerosis (MS) and improving the treatment and management of those suffering from MS and related diseases. More

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Making a Difference

Working With Children

Billy Ellsworth

Billy Ellsworth (pictured) completed the Pittsburgh Kids marathon. This is extra special because Billy can still walk, due to a clinical drug trial in the US, based on novel research created here in Western Australia. This ground-breaking research led by Professors Steve Wilton and Sue Fletcher, has enabled kids like Billy, who have Duchenne muscular dystrophy, to do things which they would not have ordinarily been able to do. This dedicated research team is committed to changing young lives, like that of Billy Ellsworth.

Working With Adults

Peter Coghlan

Peter Coghlan’s Remarkable Story

Peter’s stroke in 2011 had left him with an acute neurological condition known as locked-in syndrome. He was paralysed, imprisoned in his own body. In the months that followed Peter was only able to communicate through the blink of an eye and an alphabet board. For months Peter felt overcome by hopelessness and wanted to die. Then one day he saw a flicker of movement in his thumb. This was the turning point. Hope had returned and Peter began his astounding journey of recovery, fighting the most incredible odds on a daily basis. Today the 36-year old is walking, speaking and working fulltime. By sharing his story, he is committed to inspiring others, particularly his fellow stroke survivors who he urges to never give up hope that they can transform their life chances.

Peter Coghlan is a surviving stroke patient of Medical Director Clinical Professor David Blacker. The new Perron Institute Centre for Restorative Neurology will continue to assist many patients, like Peter, in their recovery.

Working With The Elderly

Stroke Clinics

The Stroke Survivors Support Group gather every Monday afternoon at the Perron Institute to share their stories over a cuppa and afternoon tea.
Please email us if you would like to come along.

Support Us

Latest News

September 20, 2017/by Tennille

Professor Carroll appointed President of the World Federation of Neurology

August 10, 2017/by Tennille

National Science Week Launch neuroscience and music presentation

August 3, 2017/by Tennille

Finance Minister announces neurotrauma grant for Stroke Research group

May 31, 2017/by Tennille

New leadership at the Perron Institute

Events

July 6, 2017/by Tennille

World Congress of Neurology 16-21 September

July 5, 2017/by Tennille

ECTRIMS and ACTRIMS 25-28 October

July 4, 2017/by Tennille

MSWA Ocean Ride 27 November

July 3, 2017/by Tennille

Australian Neuroscience Society Meeting 3-6 December

Latest Publications

Narrowband UVB Phototherapy for Clinically Isolated Syndrome: A Trial to Deliver the Benefits of Vitamin D and Other UVB-Induced Molecules

Hart PH, Lucas RM, Booth DR, Carroll WM, Nolan D, Cole JM, Jones AP, Kermode AG. 2017

Frontiers in Immunology. 2017 Jan 24;8:3.

Mutations in HSPB8 causing a new phenotype of distal myopathy and motor neuropathy

Ghaoui, R., Palmio, J., Brewer, J., Lek, M., Needham, M., Evilä, A., Hackman, P., Jonson, P.H., Penttilä, S.,Vihola, A., Huovinen, S., Lindfors, M., Davis, R.L., Waddell, L., Kaur, S., Yiannikas, C., North, K., Clarke, N., Macarthur, D.G., Sue, C.M., Udd, B. 2016

Neurology, 86, 4, pp. 391-398

Poly-arginine peptides reduce infarct volume in a permanent middle cerebral artery rat stroke model

Milani D, Clark VW, Cross JL, Anderton RS, Knuckey NW, Meloni BP. 2016

BMC Neurosci, 17(1), 19. doi: 10.1186/s12868-016-0253-z.

Body weight-based natalizumab treatment in adult patients with multiple sclerosis

M. Tanaka , M. Kinoshita, J. F. Foley, K. Tanaka, J. Kira, & W. M. Carroll, 2015, Body weight-based natalizumab treatment in adult patients with multiple sclerosis

Journal of Neurology 262 (3), 781-782

Affiliates and Ambassadors

All 15 /Ambassadors 1 /International Affiliate 3 /Professional Affiliates 3 /Research Affiliates 8