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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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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2022 Clinical & Scientific Conference March 15 Highlights

Today was the second full day of sessions of 2022 MDA’s Clinical & Scientific Conference. The three major themes of today’s sessions were (1) therapeutic strategies to treat NMDs, (2) clinical trial design and implementation, and (3) optimizing patient care.  Highlights Mitochondrial interventions: small molecule and gene therapy Carlos Moraes, PhD, from the University of . . .

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2022 Clinical & Scientific Conference March 14 Highlights

Today was the first full day of sessions of MDA’s 2022 Clinical & Scientific Conference. For the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, clinicians, scientists, policymakers, nonprofit, and industry leaders are convening, primarily in-person, for a dynamic and informative five days in Nashville, TN. With more than 975 in-person and 490 virtual . . .

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Simply Stated: What is Becker Muscular Dystrophy?

Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is a rare genetic disorder involving mutations of the dystrophin gene. BMD exhibits similar signs and symptoms to another condition, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), which is caused by different mutations in the same gene. Although both conditions affect skeletal muscles used for movement, as well as heart muscles, they differ in . . .

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Research Study Alert: Natural History Study in Males with BMD

Researchers at the University of Florida are seeking adult males living with Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) to participate in a three-year natural history study. The objective of this observational study is to gain a better understanding of the course of BMD and to identify biomarkers for BMD. This study does not involve an intervention. Enrolled participants will . . .

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2019 Clinical & Scientific Conference Highlight: What’s New in Neuromuscular Diseases?

At the 2019 MDA Clinical & Scientific Conference, one scientific session of interest centered on what’s new in neuromuscular diseases (NMDs). In this session, presenting scientists discussed progress in therapy development and clinical trials for a range of NMDs, including Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD), congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS), myotonic dystrophy (DM), . . .

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Newborn Screening for DMD and BMD: MDA Needs Your Help

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 . . .

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For MDA Executive Director Patrick Cusick, a Diagnosis Led to a New Direction

Patrick Cusick’s journey with MDA — and with muscular dystrophy — started 12 years ago, in, of all places, a life insurance office. Twenty-nine at the time, the Ohio native and his wife were expecting their first child, and making preparations as parents (or soon-to-be parents) do. Securing life insurance meant taking some medical tests; . . .

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