Strongly


An expression of the live unlimited spirit, stories and voices of the MDA community

Research Study Alert: Study of Wearable Gait Sensor in People with or without Neuromuscular Disease

Researchers at the University of California, Davis Neuromuscular Research Lab are seeking individuals with or without neuromuscular disease (ages 2 years or older) to participate in a research study to test the feasibility of using a wearable gait sensor to collect data as part of a new outcome measure for use in future clinical trials.  This . . .

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Quest for Success: Matthew Lawson

As the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) continues our commitment to empowering people living with neuromuscular disease, we are excited to share our 2022 blog series: “Quest for Success”. Success looks different to everyone and this monthly blog details the different paths that individuals with neuromuscular disease have taken to reach their potential and the steps . . .

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FDA Approves Alexion’s Ultomiris for Treatment of gMG

On April 28, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval to ravulizumab (Ultomiris) for the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adults who test positive for the anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody. To date, Ultomiris is the third disease modifying drug approved to treat gMG. Ultomiris will be made available in the United . . .

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Simply Stated: Inclusion Body Myositis, Revisited

Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is a rare, progressive muscle disease characterized by chronic muscle inflammation and weakness. It is estimated that approximately 20,000 people in the United States (US) have IBM, though the exact prevalence is unknown. IBM usually develops after age 50 and is more likely to affect men than women. The disease progresses . . .

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Father-Son Contribution to the 35th Annual Ride for Life

The relationships we at MDA form with our community is one of the most rewarding parts of our mission. One such relationship is our friendship with Jon Burcaw and his son Shane. As a long-time supporter of Schaeffer’s Harley-Davidson – a member of the Eastern Harley-Davidson Dealership Association (EHDDA) – Jon became a supporter of . . .

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MDA Recognizes the Esteemed Members of Our Volunteer Advisory Committee

For over 70 years, the Muscular Dystrophy Association has led the way as the #1 Voluntary Health Organization in the U.S. for people living with neuromuscular diseases. Through volunteer committees, boards, community events, and Summer Camps where kids build confidence and independence, volunteers are tightly woven into MDA’s fabric. We could not build on our . . .

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Natural History Trial of BMD Now Enrolling

On April 14, Edgewise Therapeutics announced the initiation of an Edgewise-funded observational trial in individuals with Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD). The goal of trial is to understand the progression of disease in individuals with BMD as assessed by functional measures and imaging endpoints.  BMD is a genetic disease caused by a mutation in the dystrophin . . .

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Promoting Diversity in Rare Disease Research

Drug companies are developing more therapies for rare disease patients — and doing it faster — than ever before. But when it comes to enrolling minorities in clinical trials, the US track record is lagging behind. That subject was the focus of a March 15 session during the 2022 MDA Clinical & Scientific Conference in . . .

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Researchers Announce Results from a Phase 3 Study of Corticosteroid Dosing to Treat DMD

On April 5, an international research team, headed by Michela Guglieri at Newcastle University and Robert Griggs at the University of Rochester Medical Center, announced positive results at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN meeting) in Seattle, WA from the phase 3 FOR DMD study of corticosteroid dosing regimens for treatment of people with Duchenne . . .

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Research Study Alert: Survey for People with Muscular Dystrophy and Their Caregivers about Quality of Life

Researchers at Goldsmiths University of London are seeking people living with muscular dystrophy (MD) and their primary caregivers to participate in a survey about their quality of life. The aim of the survey is to better understand how quality of life of an individual and their primary caregiver is affected by progressing MD. In this study, . . .

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