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Funding Myelin Research Since  1989
An international non-profit raising awareness and funding myelin research 
to find a cure  for the leukodystrophies

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 - News & Events -

Upcoming Events:

10/04/2012 - 10/05/2012 The Myelin Project's 22nd Annual International Scientific Conference at the Mercure Hotel in Frankfurt, GERMANY.
The Myelin Project's 22nd Annual
International Scientific Conference
Thursday - Friday, October 4th & 5th, 2012
The Myelin Project will be meeting in Frankfurt, Germany at the Mercure Hotel on October 4th and 5th for The Myelin Project's 22nd Annual International Scientific Conference. 

The conference aims to induce collaboration among scientists throughout the world that are in the field of neurology who specifcally deal with demyelinating diseases which affect more than two million people worldwide. The event is co-sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank, The Myelin Projekt Deutschland, The Myelin Project USA. 
- Partnerships -
The Myelin Project has partnered with The ALD-AMN Global Alliance (AAGA) to unite like minded charitable foundations from around the world with the common goal to spread awareness, raise money to advance research for treatments and a cure, expand the bone marrow and cord blood registries and provide support, direction, and information to affected persons and their families. For more information on the alliance, visit the official website, click here.

The Myelin Project USA in partnership with The British Trust for The Myelin Project have begun to coordinate the a Myelin Project video campaign.  We want to feature as many people as possible who have a connection with The Myelin Project and Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) and/or the leukodystrophies. Click here for more information and directions on how YOU can participate.

Welcome to our new website!


Founded in 1989 by Augusto and  Michaela Odone for their son, Lorenzo, who suffered from X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), The Myelin Project has been funding myelin research and inducing scientific collaboration for over two decades. Click here for more information about us.


The Odones' story was dramatized in the film “Lorenzo's Oil”, starring Nick Nolte and Susan Sarandon, released by Universal Studios in 1992. More information on the film, the oil, the Odones.
         
                         Axon with normal myelin            Axon with damaged myelin

Myelin is the insulating sheath surrounding nerve cells.  It is the white matter coating our nerves, enabling them to conduct impulses between the brain and other parts of the body. It consists of a layer of proteins packed between two layers of lipids. Myelin can be destroyed by hereditary neuro-degenerative illnesses such as ALD, and also acquired by diseases such as multiple sclerosis.  There is no known cure for any demyelinating illness.
- Lorenzo's Oil -
Lorenzo's Oil is a combination of a 4:1 mix of erucic acid and oleic acid, extracted from rapeseed oil and olive oil.  It is specific to ALD, does not repair myelin, and does not have any known effect on other demyelinating disorders. 

In ALD pre-symptomatic boys Lorenzo's Oil often (but not always) prevents the onset of the disease by stopping the body from producing the very long chain fatty acids, whose buildup leads to demyelination. Click here for more information.