Andrea Lobo,  —

Andrea Lobo is a Science writer at BioNews. She holds a Biology degree and a PhD in Cell Biology/Neurosciences from the University of Coimbra-Portugal, where she studied stroke biology. She was a postdoctoral and senior researcher at the Institute for Research and Innovation in Health in Porto, in drug addiction, studying neuronal plasticity induced by amphetamines. As a research scientist for 19 years, Andrea participated in academic projects in multiple research fields, from stroke, gene regulation, cancer, and rare diseases. She authored multiple research papers in peer-reviewed journals. She shifted towards a career in science writing and communication in 2022.

Articles by Andrea Lobo

AMO Pharma to start AMO-02 Phase 3 trial in adult-onset DM1

AMO Pharma has announced it will conduct a Phase 3 trial of AMO-02 (tideglusib), its investigational oral therapy for adult-onset myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). The decision follows a recent meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to review data from the Phase 2/3…

Most people with DM1 develop cardiac problems: Danish study

Most people with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) develop heart problems, according to a Danish study that followed patients for about 10 years. “Life-long cardiac screening is crucial, and we recommended that repeated follow-up is performed,” its researchers wrote in “Natural history of cardiac involvement in myotonic dystrophy type 1 – Emphasis…

2-year EDG-5506 treatment helps preserve motor function in BMD

Oral treatment with EDG-5506, now known as sevasemten, continued to stabilize muscle function after two years in men with Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) taking part in a Phase 1 trial. That’s in contrast to the progressive deterioration of motor function seen during the natural course of BMD in the absence…

Gene therapy SGT-003 wins FDA’s rare pediatric disease designation

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted rare pediatric disease status to SGT-003, a next-generation gene therapy candidate for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) developed by Solid Biosciences. The designation is given to therapies with the potential to prevent or treat rare diseases that primarily affect children and…

MDA 2024: Myotonic dystrophy type 1 reverses with AOC 1001

Long-term treatment with AOC 1001 continues to be safe and may reverse the progression of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), according to new data. A year of treatment eased myotonia, that is, the inability of muscle to relax after they’ve contracted, and improved muscle strength along with outcomes…

SAT-3247 improves muscle function in FSHD mouse model

SAT-3247, an oral therapy candidate for rebuilding muscle tissue, improved muscle function in a mouse model of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Developed by Satellos Bioscience, the therapy is the lead treatment candidate for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), with the first clinical trial of SAT-3247 for DMD…

Epic Bio’s EPI-321 named FDA orphan drug for FSHD

Epic Bio’s epigenetic therapy EPI-321 has been granted an orphan drug designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment for the most common form of muscular dystrophy in adults, called facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). The designation is given to medications that could prevent,…

Enrollment complete in Phase 3 trial of losmapimod for FSHD

Fulcrum Therapeutics has completed patient enrollment for its Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating losmapimod as a potential treatment for people with Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). The study, dubbed REACH (NCT05397470), is evaluating the efficacy and safety of losmapimod against a placebo in FSHD adult patients across…

‘Fill the Boot’ campaign raising funds for MDA

More than 420 “Fill the Boot” events will raise money throughout Labor Day weekend to advance research and care for muscular dystrophy. The campaign results from a partnership between the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). The firefighters go to…

FDA gives priority review to oral givinostat in treating DMD

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted and given priority review to Italfarmaco Group’s application requesting that oral givinostat be approved to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Priority review, which shortens the consideration period to six months from 10, is given to therapies with…