Researchers at Brainstorm Cell Therapeutics are looking for participants with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to participate in a Phase 3 study designed to help researchers evaluate the effects of mesenchymal stromal stem cells secreting neurotrophic factors (MSC-NTF cells) on disease progression in patients with ALS. In ALS, motor neurons degenerate or die, and stop sending . . .
Early identification and treatment for neuromuscular disorders are essential to optimize health outcomes. Newborn screening, which identifies health issues via a blood test taken soon after birth, is essential to ensure that infants born with serious but treatable disorders have the best possible chance at receiving the care and support services they need as early . . .
Researchers at Orphazyme are looking for participants with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to participate in the ORARIALS-01 Phase 3 study. The study is designed to help researchers evaluate the effects of arimoclomol on disease progression in patients with ALS. In ALS, motor neurons degenerate or die and stop sending messages to the muscles, which gradually . . .
Researchers at Catabasis are looking for boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) to participate in a Phase 3 study (PolarisDMD). The goal of the study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of edasalonexent, which researchers believe may slow down progression of skeletal and cardiac muscle disease in DMD by inhibiting NF-kB. NF-kB is a . . .
On Jan. 3, Wave Life Sciences announced that its upcoming Phase 2/3 clinical trial of suvodirsen (WVE-210201), an investigational therapy for boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) who are amenable to exon 51 skipping, has been selected by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its complex innovative trial designs (CID) pilot program. Wave . . .
On Jan. 2, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) awarded Orphan Drug Designation for MYO-102, an investigational gene therapy for limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2D (LGMD2D), also known as alpha-sarcoglycanopathy. Myonexus Therapeutics has licensed the technology from Nationwide Children’s Hospital, which holds the Investigational New Drug (IND) application for MYO-102. Treatment using gene therapy, . . .
We were saddened to end 2018 with the passing of one of the true champions of neuromuscular disease research, Dr. Stephen Katz, the long-time director of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Dr. Katz led efforts throughout the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to implement the Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance . . .
In January 2018, MDA partnered with Edge Research, an established research firm with extensive expertise working with patient advocacy organizations, to conduct an objective and thorough study among the neuromuscular disease community. This survey, a first-of-its-kind for MDA, was called ONEVoice and comprised 50 questions that sought to identify the needs of individuals and families . . .
On Dec. 10, Ra Pharmaceuticals Inc., based in Cambridge, Mass., announced positive results from a Phase 2 clinical trial designed to evaluate zilucoplan (RA101495) for treating generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG). Patients who received the drug had significant reductions in both measured endpoints, the Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) score and the Myasthenia Gravis — Activities of . . .
On Dec. 6, Biogen Inc. announced positive Phase 1 clinical trial results and its decision to license and develop partner Ionis Pharmaceuticals’ BIIB067 (IONIS-SOD1RX). BIIB067 is an investigational therapy for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) caused by superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) mutations, a subtype of familial ALS that makes up 2 percent of all ALS . . .
