MDA and FARA Partner to Advance Treatments and Care for Friedreich’s Ataxia

Alliance is part of an MDA initiative to establish new collaborative partnerships CHICAGO, September 2, 2015 – The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) today announced a partnership that will pave the way for advancements in Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) research, therapeutic development and clinical care, thus deepening understanding of the . . .

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$2 Million in New MDA Grants Target DMD

By Laura Hagerty, Ph.D., MDA’s DMD Scientific Program Officer On September 7, 2015, MDA will rally alongside our Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) community — kids, adults, families, caregivers and others — as we recognize World Duchenne Awareness Day. And as we move toward that day, there’s a palpable feeling of excitement in the air. For . . .

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MDA Appoints Leaders From Across the Country to Board of Directors

CHICAGO, August, 27, 2015 — Prominent business and community leaders from across the country have been appointed to the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Board of Directors. As members of the board, these 20 men and women will volunteer assistance and counsel to support MDA’s mission to fund lifesaving research, provide comprehensive care through its services and . . .

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MDA Awards $10 million in new Research Grants

Record-breaking interest highlights progress, desire to find breakthroughs across diseases CHICAGO, August 25, 2015 – Powered by its big-picture perspective to accelerate treatments and cures across the broad spectrum of neuromuscular diseases, MDA today announced the award of $10 million in new research grants to the world’s brightest scientists conducting leading-edge discovery for muscular dystrophy, ALS and . . .

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FDA Accepts Sarepta NDA for Eteplirsen to Treat DMD

Background: Sarepta announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted its New Drug Application (NDA) for eteplirsen to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Eteplirsen is an “exon-skipping” drug that targets a section of DNA called exon 51, and may help up to 13 percent of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients. Exon . . .

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Marathon Pharmaceuticals Begins New Drug Application Process for Deflazacort to Treat Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Following a pre-NDA meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Marathon Pharmaceuticals has announced that it will begin the New Drug Application (NDA) process for deflazacort as a treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Marathon expects to submit the NDA in the first quarter of 2016. If the application is approved, the company . . .

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FDA Approves Drug for Primary Hyperkalemic and Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis

Statement from MDA Executive Vice President and Chief Medical and Scientific Officer Valerie A. Cwik, M.D.: “We couldn’t be more pleased for our families affected by hyperkalemic and hypokalemic periodic paralysis, as the first treatment for these diseases has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is expected to be available in . . .

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Major League Baseball Joins MDA and Fourteen Other ALS Organizations to Launch ALS Ice Bucket Challenge 2015

CHICAGO, July 31, 2015 —The 2015 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge will officially get underway today at Fenway Park in Boston, when Major League Baseball and the Boston Red Sox honor Ice Bucket co-founders Pat Quinn and Pete Frates, the ALS community and Lou Gehrig’s legacy by taking the challenge. MLB is donating $100,000 to further . . .

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MDA and Jiffy Lube Team Up to Support the Fight Against Muscle Disease with Fourth Annual MUSCLE UP!SM Campaign

Relationship with MDA Encourages Drivers to Give Back Through In-Store Donations CHICAGO, July 29, 2015 – The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is pleased to announce that Jiffy Lube® is hosting its fourth annual MUSCLE UP!SM campaign.  As part of the program, Jiffy Lube invites drivers to visit participating Jiffy Lube® service centers from Aug. 1 . . .

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