News

Santhera’s Congenital Muscular Dystrophies Drug Omigapil Receives FDA Fast Track Designation

Switzerland-based Santhera Pharmaceuticals‘ drug candidate omigapil has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Fast Track designation for the treatment of congenital muscular dystrophies (CMD). Omigapil is a prenyl-analog with anti-apoptotic properties. Nonclinical studies in disease-relevant models show the drug inhibits cell death and reduces body weight loss and skeletal…

Bone Health in Duchenne MD Discussed in International Workshop

More than 50 international experts came together last week in a workshop organized by the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), to discuss bone health and osteoporosis in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The two-day workshop on May 12-13 brought together scientists, clinicians, and industry representatives from around the world. Different aspects…

Circulating miRNAs Identified as Potential Biomarkers of Heart Disease in 2 Muscular Dystrophies

Promising new biomarkers to detect structural changes in the hearts of people with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy have been identified, according to a study published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance. Biomarkers, like miRNAs, that circulate in the blood and are easily detectable can help diagnose and monitor chronic heart-muscle disease, or…