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A world-first clinical trial supporting people living with motor neuron disease (MND) to access breathing support from home using remote monitoring tech has been spotlighted in a Department of Health and Social Care ministerial announcement.
The £1.7m National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) DENIM trial, which is being run in partnership with the University of Sheffield, is testing the benefits of remotely monitoring and adjusting portable ventilators for breathing support in MND patients, across 12 areas of England.
Researchers will harness advances in technology which now allows clinicians to remotely monitor breathing rate and other vital health data so that adjustments to therapy can be made quickly from the comfort of patients’ homes.
MND is an incurable and rapidly progressing muscle-wasting illness – with breathing difficulties common as the muscles that help the lung inhale and exhale weaken. Many people with MND will rely on ventilation support. This type of ventilation needs regular monitoring and timely intervention to prevent complications and maintain a better quality of life. However, over half of people with MND struggle or are unable to use portable ventilators for breathing support for long enough to gain the full benefits.
Around 250 patients will be recruited into the trial, with half set to receive the remote monitoring technology. If successful, it could transform care for thousands of people living with MND across the UK, reduce the need to travel to hospital and help them live better for longer.
The trial launch was announced alongside a wider government initiative as part of the NHS 10 Year Health Plan to bring health technologies closer to patients, ensuring more convenient care from the comfort of people’s own homes.
In the statement Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:
“Using tech to bring care closer to home frees up hospital appointments for those who truly need them and makes life simpler for everyone. That’s our mission: care that’s easier, faster, and always within reach.”
Currently very few UK NHS Trusts use remote monitoring technology for MND patients due to limited resources and expertise, meaning support for patients to effectively use portable ventilators and masks for breathing support at home remains largely absent from standard NHS care.
The trial is being managed by the University of Sheffield’s Clinical Research Trials Unit, with support from the Better Outcomes in MND team, a network of researchers, healthcare professionals and those living with MND all of whom are passionate about improving the care for people living with MND and their families. The trial is also supported by and affiliated with the NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre.
Catch Dr Esther Hobson speaking to the BBC Radio Today Programme about the world-first trial Today – 07/11/2025 – BBC Sounds (starts 53.53, available until 5 December 2025).
About the trial
The trial is open to patients with a diagnosis of MND, who are starting to use NIV, at the 12 UK NHS Trusts taking part in the study.
Barts Health NHS Trust
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Norfolk and Norwich NHS Foundation Trust
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
University Hospitals of North Midlands
Patients recruited into the trial will be actively involved for a period of 12 weeks. Sites taking part in the trial will be recruiting patients until 30th April 2027, with trial results expected by the end of January 2028.
MND Association | Get Involved in the DENIM trial
The NIHR funds, enables and delivers world-leading health and social care research that improves people's health and wellbeing and promotes economic growth.
NIHR Biomedical Research Centres (BRCs) are collaborations between NHS organisations and universities. They bring together academics and clinicians to translate scientific discoveries into potential new treatments, diagnostics and technologies.
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