Mary Chapman, features writer —

Aiming to enhance patients’ lives, a team of University of Manitoba biomedical students has produced autonomous designs — including a wheelchair hand warmer for those living with muscular dystrophy (MD). The overarching goal during the University of Manitoba Biomedical Engineering Design (BMED) Team’s first year was…

Invitae has opened a program offering free genetic testing and post-test counseling to people suspected of having diseases that include muscular dystrophy (MD) under a partnership with pharmaceutical firms. The goal is to promote early diagnosis and treatment. The initiative, called Detect, targets disorders for which testing…

For more than 20 years, Robert (Bob) Bennett was a steadfast leader and supporter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). To honor his legacy, the Robert M. & Marjie A. Bennett Foundation has donated $500,000 to the Los Angeles-area MDA Summer Camp. Located in Orange County, Calif., the…

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has awarded Locana $550,000 through its MDA Venture Philanthropy (MVP) program to help advance the biotech company’s therapy platform for myotonic dystrophy (DM). Specifically, the grant to the San Diego, California-based gene therapy company is aimed at furthering the development of its RNA-targeting…

It’s been 15 years since Sailormen, a Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen franchise, first partnered with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) to enhance the lives of patients. It’s keeping at it, netting $681,015 in its latest efforts. The money was raised at the 15th Annual Sailormen MDA Golf Classic and the…

Biophytis SA is collaborating with AFM-Telethon to advance an oral pediatric formulation of Sarconeos (BIO101) for treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The pact calls for the French muscular dystrophy organization AFM-Telethon to give €400,000 (about $452,000) to France-based Biophytis  for further preclinical study. The funds also will go…

To help make cutting-edge genetic research more accessible, and raise awareness of rare diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), YourDNA and Cure Rare Disease (CRD) are joining forces. The initiative hopes to increase awareness about the prevalence of rare disorders in the U.S. — and about treatment…

Initially approved in the United States for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients age 5 and older, the corticosteroid Emflaza is now available for those as young as 2. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved PTC Therapeutics’ supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for the…

The prevalence rate of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in the United States has increased, largely due to better treatments that are helping patients live longer, while the number of new cases holds steady, a study reports. Touted as the first of its kind involving DMD, the Deerfield…

A FinancialForce platform has allowed the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) to enhance fundraising efforts while streamlining accounting activities. Since completing the platform launch and implementing an administrative realignment, the MDA has 40% more time to focus on fundraising strategy, according to a FinancialForce press release. Divisions such…