Five Questions with Friedreich’s Ataxia Researcher Michael Huang

Michael Huang, the NHMRC Peter Doherty Postdoctoral Fellow in the department of pathology, Bosch Institute, at the University of Sydney, Australia, was awarded an MDA development grant totaling $177,100 over a period of three years to explore how deficiency of the frataxin protein in Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) may alter the function of cellular power supplies . . .

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Catalyst Pharmaceuticals’ MG Drug Gets FDA Orphan Drug Designation

The investigational drug amifampridine phosphate (brand name Firdapse), under development by Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Orphan Drug designation for the treatment of myasthenia gravis (MG). Amifampridine phosphate is a potassium channel inhibitor designed to prolong signals released from nerves and allow greater stimulation of muscles. The drug currently is . . .

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NIH Seeks Children and Caregivers to Participate in Quality of Life Study

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) seek children with neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) and/or their caregivers (parent or legal guardian) to complete questionnaires. Researchers would like to develop a tool to better assess the quality of life of people with NMDs, such as muscular dystrophy. The goal of this study is to validate two different . . .

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Meet the MDA Resource Specialist: Hugo

Since the tender ago of five, Hugo Trevino, who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), has been involved with MDA. From participating in MDA Summer Camp as a child to rallying behind causes like Fill the Boot and Muscle Walk, Hugo has always been dedicated to helping others live longer and grow stronger. Now, as a . . .

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Meet Cadence: MDA’s Montana State Goodwill Ambassador

Meet Cadence Hometown: Havre, Montana Age: 9 Diagnosis: I have an unspecified myopathy. Myopathies are diseases that cause problems with the tone and contraction of skeletal muscles. Favorite School Subject/Activities: Art, Reading, Rocket Math and Science are my favorite things about school. Favorite People and/or Pets: I love dolphins, including the Miami Dolphins. Although my #1 animal is . . .

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Honoring Dennis Rodeman at the IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial

In 1986, the International Association of Firefighters completed a permanent tribute to its members, the IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The Memorial was founded to recognize and honor past and future professional firefighters and emergency medical personnel who are killed in the line of duty and to provide assistance to the . . .

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