Marisa Wexler, MS, senior science writer —

An investigational gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), called SRP-9001 micro-dystrophin, was given fast track designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) its developer, Sarepta Therapeutics, announced in a press release. Fast track status is given to therapies with the potential to…

Oral Puldysa (idebenone), Santhera Pharmaceuticals‘ investigational treatment for breathing problems caused by Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), will be available to eligible patients in the U.K. for another year via the renewal of its Early Access to Medicines Scheme (EAMS), the company announced. In agreeing to this renewal,…

Santhera Pharmaceuticals announced the signing of two agreements with Rutgers University related to the development of potential gene therapies for LAMA2-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy (LAMA2 MD). Included are a license agreement as well as a collaboration with Peter Yurchenco, MD, PhD, a professor at Rutgers’ Robert Wood Johnson Medical…

Both PTC Therapeutics and Sarepta Therapeutics expect to continue providing an uninterrupted supply of their Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) therapies during the COVID-19 pandemic, representatives from the companies said in a Wednesday webinar hosted by Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD). PTC is the maker of Emflaza…

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has formed a Medical Advisory Team to provide guidance related to research and clinical care in muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neuromuscular disorders. The team consists of three physicians, all experts in these conditions and leading clinicians at an…

Because of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Italfarmaco has paused enrollment of boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in a Phase 3 trial of its investigational treatment givinostat, the company said in a recent webinar hosted by Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy. Although treatment of current…

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is hosting an online Q&A session today to discuss the best ways that people with neuromuscular diseases might protect themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 30-minute session can be accessed on the MDA’s Facebook page, and starts at 6 p.m. EST. People with…

Clinical trial data suggest that edasalonexent — a potential Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) therapy — does not affect the immune system’s ability to work as it should, making it unlikely to raise a person’s COVID-19 risk, Catabasis Pharmaceuticals said. COVID-19 is believed to pose the greatest threat to older people and those…

Final results of a Phase 1 clinical trial support the safety of losmapimod and suggest its effectiveness as a treatment for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). The data, “Phase 1 Clinical Trial of Losmapimod in Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD): Safety, Tolerability and Target Engagement,” were presented by Michelle…

Sarepta Therapeutics has taken steps to ensure the supply of Vyondys 53 (golodirsen) and Exondys 51 (eteplirsen), both approved for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, the company continues to work with regulatory authorities to guarantee the continuation…