Neuromuscular Junction Diseases

Top scientists and clinicians from around the world are discussing the latest research in neuroscience, and the care of individuals with nerve and muscle diseases, at the 2012 annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology in New Orleans, April 21-28.

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.

Jacobus Pharmaceutical of Princeton, N.J., has opened a randomized, placebo-controlled study of the drug 3,4-diaminopyridine (3,4-DAP) in 30 adults with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) who have been receiving the drug through its expanded access program. Enrollment is by invitation only.

BioMarin Pharmaceutical of Novato, Calif., is conducting a multicenter study of 3,4-diaminopyridinephosphate (3,4-DAP), also known as amifampridine phosphate, in adults with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS).

There are eight U.S. trial sites, with additional sites planned for France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain.

Researchers have found that the drug albuterol appears to be beneficial in two forms of congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS)— CMS related to mutations in the collagen Q (colQ) gene and CMS related to mutations in the DOK7 gene.

Two clinical trials — one of an experimental medication and the other of a surgical procedure —  are available to people with myasthenia gravis (MG) who meet enrollment criteria.

CK-2017357 being tested at multiple centers

The Muscular Dystrophy Association has awarded 40 research grants totaling $13.7 million to advance the understanding of disease processes and uncover new strategies for treatments and cures of muscular dystrophy and the more than 40 other diseases in the Association's program.

The new grants were recommended by MDA's Scientific and Medical Advisory Committees and approved by MDA's Board of Directors at its July 2011 meeting.

Researchers at the Psychology of Disability Lab at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor are exploring the social identity of people with disabilities through a short, anonymous, Web-based questionnaire.

The lab's Disability Identity Project is being headed by principal investigator Adena Rottenstein, a doctoral candidate in psychology.

The study closes the week of Aug. 22, 2011.