Irish scientists say they’re a step closer to finding a cure to leukaemia.

A team of researchers from Dublin, Galway and Belfast have experienced groundbreaking results using a new drug on patients recently diagnosed with the blood disease.

Dr Michael O’Dwyer from NUIG says other countries have now asked to join in the Irish project.

“It is the only study open in the world at present that is using Tasigna for the treatment of newly diagnosed patients” he said.

“As a result of that, other investigators overseas are quite anxious to participate in our study – and we’re presenting our preliminary results at the American Society of Haematology meeting in New Orleans next month” he added.