Marisa Wexler, MS, senior science writer —

Marisa holds a Master of Science in cellular and molecular pathology from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied novel genetic drivers of ovarian cancer. Her areas of expertise include cancer biology, immunology, and genetics, and she has worked as a science writing and communications intern for the Genetics Society of America.

Articles by Marisa Wexler

Regenxbio starts pivotal trial testing DMD gene therapy RGX-202

Regenxbio has initiated the pivotal phase of a clinical trial testing its experimental gene therapy RGX-202 in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). If the results are positive, they could support the therapy’s accelerated approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Regenxbio has also announced…

CureDuchenne partners on World of Warcraft research fundraiser

CureDuchenne is partnering with Blizzard Entertainment, maker of the massively multiplayer online role-playing game World of Warcraft, on a fundraiser to help advance research into new treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Through Jan. 7, players of the video game will have the opportunity to adopt an in-game pet…

EMA agency continues to oppose renewing Translarna’s approval

The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) — part of the European Medicines Agency — again maintained its recommendation not to renew conditional marketing authorization for Translarna (ataluren), a treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) caused by nonsense mutations. The European Commission, which has final say…

RNA-based approach shows promise for DM1 in cell models

Treatment with antimiRs, an RNA-based therapy approach, was able to correct molecular defects in a cell model of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) — a form of muscular dystrophy — according to the results of a new study. The researchers called their work “a significant step forward,” and noted that…

SAT-3247 for DMD wins FDA rare pediatric disease designation

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted rare pediatric disease designation to SAT-3247, an oral treatment candidate for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) that ultimately aims to slow the progression of the genetic condition. The FDA awards this status to investigational medicines that are designed to treat serious,…

Duvyzat now available to DMD patients 6 and older in US

Duvyzat (givinostat), a newly approved treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), is now available in the U.S., according to an announcement from ITF Therapeutics, which will be selling the therapy. “Following the FDA [Food and Drug Administration] approval of Duvyzat, our team has been focused on making…