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

Gene Therapy Trial for Rare Form of MD Planned for Next Year

Asklepios BioPharmaceutical (AskBio) is planning to launch a Phase 1/2 clinical study to evaluate LION-101, its investigational gene therapy for limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2I/R9 (LGMD2I/R9). Dosing in the trial is expected to start in the first half of next year. “We are excited to begin clinical trials…

FDA Puts Investigational FSHD Therapy Losmapimod on Fast Track

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted fast track designation to losmapimod, a potential treatment for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) being developed by Fulcrum Therapeutics. The designation is intended to help bring effective treatments for serious conditions to market more quickly. It grants Fulcrum, as…

#AANAM – Presenter Compares Features of DM1 and DM2

Editor’s note: The Muscular Dystrophy News Today team is providing in-depth coverage of the 2021 Virtual AAN Annual Meeting, April 17–22. Go here to read the latest stories from the conference. People with myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2) tend to be older at symptom onset than those with myotonic…

#AANAM – Pregnancy May Worsen Muscle Weakness in LGMDR9 Patients

Editor’s note: The Muscular Dystrophy News Today team is providing in-depth coverage of the 2021 Virtual AAN Annual Meeting, April 17–22. Go here to read the latest stories from the conference. Women with limb girdle muscular dystrophy type R9 (LGMDR9) are not at a greater risk of pregnancy complications,…

#AANAM – Corticosteroids Aid Muscle Mass in BMD and LGMD, Trials Needed

Editor’s note: The Muscular Dystrophy News Today team is providing in-depth coverage of the 2021 Virtual AAN Annual Meeting, April 17–22. Go here to read the latest stories from the conference. Once-weekly corticosteroid treatment was safe and well-tolerated in people with Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) or limb-girdle muscular dystrophy…

#AANAM – Investigational DM1 Therapy Shows Promise

Editor’s note: The Muscular Dystrophy News Today team is providing in-depth coverage of the 2021 Virtual AAN Annual Meeting, April 17–22. Go here to read the latest stories from the conference. An investigational therapy called AOC-1001 decreased levels of the toxic RNA molecule that causes…

FDA Places Pamrevlumab for DMD on Fast Track

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted fast track designation to pamrevlumab, an investigational treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The designation is given to medications that have the potential to treat serious conditions and to fill an unmet medical need. The designation allows the therapy’s developer, FibroGen,…