Inflammatory Myopathies

Turning neuromuscular disease research into treatments as quickly and effectively as possible was the overarching theme of dozens of formal presentations, nearly 200 scientific posters, and countless informal conversations at the MDA Scientific Conference, April 21-24.

A palpable sense of excitement pervaded the sold-out event thanks to the unprecedented number of experimental treatments in clinical trials for neuromuscular diseases, and the unique opportunity the conference provided for information-sharing and collaboration among scientific professionals from many disciplines.

As scientists learn more about what our DNA can tell us about health and disease, public interest has intensified and genetic testing has become increasingly common. In response, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) have released new guidelines to address updated technologies and new uses of genetic testing and screening in children.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association has awarded 44 new grants totaling $13.6 million to advance the understanding and treatment of neuromuscular diseases. The new grants, most of which took effect Feb. 1, encompass a range of diseases covered by MDA’s research program, and they support innovative approaches to basic research and new drug development.

In addition to addressing 16 specific neuromuscular diseases under MDA’s umbrella, the grants also fund research into muscular dystrophy in general, and research into muscle physiology related to neuromuscular disease.

A survey of people with inclusion-body myositis (IBM) is being conducted by A. David Paltiel, a professor of public health (health policy) and management at Yale University, with colleagues there and at the Myositis Association.

Below is a wrap-up of recent research news about the development of therapies for Duchenne, Becker and limb-girdle muscular dystrophies.

If you're the parent of a young child who uses a power mobility device, researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children — both in western Canada — are interested in hearing from you. The study is open to U.S. residents.

The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) has released new guidelines on the use of a treatment called intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) in various neuromuscular disorders.

More than 500 physicians, allied health care professionals and MDA staff attended the MDA's 2012 Clinical Conference in Las Vegas, March 4-7.

The program emphasized:

The Muscular Dystrophy Association has awarded 38 new grants totaling more than $12 million to fund research projects focused on its continuing mission to uncover the causes of, and develop therapies for, the more than 40 neuromuscular diseases in its program.

MDA's Board of Directors reviewed and approved the new grants based on recommendations from the Association's Scientific and Medical Advisory Committees, and the grants took effect Feb. 1.