THE father of variant CJD victim Holly Mills today hailed news that more research may be conducted into a drug which he believes has stabilised her devastating condition.

The Department of Health has told Ryedale MP John Greenway that it was considering proposals by two scientists for further research into pentosan polysulphate (PPS). Peter Mills, of Thornton-le-Dale, near Pickering, who has been campaigning for such research, said the announcement was a "significant development".

The Evening Press reported earlier this month how Holly, 19, had been one of the first people in the world to have the drug pumped directly into the brain in November 2003.

Her parents, Peter and Linda, told how, 16 months later, she was still able to eat, wave, smile and occasionally say the odd word.

They agreed to lift a High Court ban on her identification so they could speak out publicly, after becoming frustrated by the Medical Research Council's failure to fund research into the drug or monitoring of its effects.

Linda said she hoped it might be possible to develop the drug to help other patients or even eventually provide a cure.

Mr Greenway, who backs the couple's demands, tabled Parliamentary questions last month asking if the Health Secretary would commission research into the effectiveness of pentosan in treating vCJD.

He has now received an answer saying that two research programmes had already been conducted into PPS's effectiveness by scientists Dr Christine Farquhar and Dr Harbans Sharma.

One study had shown that the drug was effective in preventing the development of CJD in mice, but only if given at the time of infection or shortly afterwards.

It went on to say: "The department is considering proposals for further research by Dr Farquhar and Dr Sharma."

Mr Mills said he had been aware of the previous mice studies, but it was the first he knew of the possibility of further research.

"This is a significant development," he said. "It's an acknowledgment by the Government of the merits of our arguments."

Mr Greenway said he had no doubts that the Government was now changing its stance on PPS.

Updated: 14:34 Wednesday, March 16, 2005