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<p>The Department funds research through the National Institute for Health and Care
Research (NIHR). Since 2019, the NIHR has awarded £1.9 million for research into myalgic
encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as chronic fatigue syndrome. The Medical Research
Council (MRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), has invested £3.6 million
since 2019.</p><p>This funding includes the NIHR and UKRI co-funded DecodeME study,
a £3.2 million study into the genetic underpinning of ME. The study will analyse samples
from 25,000 people with ME, to search for genetic differences that may indicate underlying
causes or an increased risk of developing the condition. This study aims to increase
our understanding of the disease, and therefore contribute to the research base on
diagnostic tests and targeted treatments for ME.</p><p>In 2020, the NIHR, the Chief
Scientist Office in Scotland, and the MRC also funded the James Lind Alliance Priority
Setting Partnership for ME, facilitated by the charity Action for ME. The report sets
out the top 10 research priorities for ME. These recommendations have been co-produced
through a process led by a steering group of people living with ME, carers, and clinicians.</p><p>In
the interim delivery plan on ME, the Department recognised that there has been a relatively
low amount of biomedical research funded on ME, compared with disease burden. The
NIHR and MRC welcome applications for further biomedical research into ME. These applications
are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made
on the basis of the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services,
value for money, and scientific quality. In all disease areas, the amount of funding
depends on the volume and quality of scientific activity.</p>
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