Researchers have identified a new set of blood biomarkers of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and of response to standard glucocorticoid therapy. The study, conducted by U.S. and Canadian researchers, also found that glucocorticoid treatment can result in significant changes in the levels of proteins not related to DMD, highlighting…
A review study highlights the benefits of adding an extra protein domain — called neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) — to microdystrophin gene therapy. nNOS is an important player in regulating blood flow to muscle cells, and the reviewed evidence suggests it protects muscle against restricted blood flow (a condition…
Twenty-five research grants totaling more than $6.6 million have been awarded by the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) to support studies into the mechanisms of neuromuscular diseases, including Duchenne and other muscular dystrophies. The funding will allow researchers not only to investigate the causes of neuromuscular diseases, but also to…
BBP-418, an oral treatment candidate for patients with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2I (LGMD2I), is being developed by ML Bio Solutions, a new subsidiary of BridgeBio Pharma, the company has announced. BridgeBio intends to start a natural history study by…
As part of an effort to heighten awareness of its work in research, treatment and care — as well as to raise funds — the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has proclaimed September MDA National Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month. The launch dovetails with World Duchenne Awareness Day, observed annually…
Online forums have markedly altered how patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals communicate and connect. Even when miles apart, individuals can establish supportive relationships, share experiences and information, and sometimes simply vent. Bionews Services, a leading online health, science and research publication company, has been rolling out its…
Vamorolone (VBP15), an experimental treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) developed by ReveraGen Biopharma, improves muscle function of DMD patients in a dose-dependent manner, data from a Phase 2a extension study shows. The Phase 2b VISION-DMD (VBP15-004) trial (NCT03439670) for vamorolone is currently recruiting participants in…
Rare diseases deeply affect not only the children who experience them, but also their healthy brothers and sisters, as their parents can attest. Two entries in November’s “Disorder: The Rare Disease Film Festival” will focus on what siblings go through, according to the San Francisco festival’s co-founder,…
Many people are inspired by a son or brother with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). When it comes to Danielle Edwards, she’s literally made the disease her career. Edwards, 26, is the community engagement manager at the Jett Foundation, a Massachusetts charity that helps families deal with the emotional and…
Developing gene therapies for rare diseases is one thing. Creating gene-edited “designer babies” is quite another. German legal expert Timo Minssen outlined the potentially explosive ethical landmines surrounding such issues during a recent talk at the New York Genome Center. Minssen directs the Center for Advanced Studies in…
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