SCIENTISTS in the region are to lead a £6.7m international research network aimed at finding a cure for a group of incurable diseases.

A team of researchers at Newcastle University will work with 21 partner organisations based at 11 European countries.

The network - to be known as Treat-NMD (Translational Research in Europe - Assessment and Treatment of Neuromuscular Diseases) - will bring together doctors, researchers, charities and companies already working on diseases such as duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

Neuromuscular disorders affect about 200,000 people in Europe and up to 30,000 people in the UK. The term refers to a large group of conditions that affect either the muscles, or the nerves controlling the muscles.

Most conditions result in chronic long-term disability and early death may eventually result from respiratory failure.

Kate Bushby and Volker Straub, professors of neuromuscular genetics for Newcastle University's Institute of Human Genetics, based at Newcastle's Centre for Life, are co-ordinating Treat-NMD.

Nick Catlin, chief executive of the charity, Parent Project UK, said: "Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a heartbreaking disease. Children begin to see their muscles waste away and families struggle to cope with the diagnosis and management.

"Treat-NMD is a much needed European partnership that can lead the way to bring about better management and treatments for this devastating disease."

Philip Butcher, chief executive of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign said: "The search for effective treatments is of prime importance for the 30,000 people with these conditions in the UK."