Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is the #1 voluntary health organization in the United States for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. For over 70 years, MDA has led the way in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating for the support of our families. MDA's mission is to empower the people we serve to live longer, more independent lives.
Navigating the Future of Gene Therapy in Neuromuscular Disorders: John Brandsema, MD
February 20th 2025The pediatric neurologist at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia provided background on a notable track session at the upcoming MDA Clinical & Scientific Conference covering updates in gene therapy for neuromuscular conditions. [WATCH TIME: 4 minutes]
Advancing Therapeutic Knowledge of Genetic Influence in ALS: Matthew B. Harms, MD
February 19th 2025The associate professor of neurology at Columbia University gave clinical insight on what neurologists and other neuromuscular specialists can expect from the ALS/frontotemporal dementia track at this year’s MDA Clinical & Scientific Conference. [WATCH TIME: 3 minutes]
ALS, Genetics, and New Horizons: What to Expect at the 2025 MDA Conference
February 18th 2025Matthew B. Harms, MD, an associate professor of neurology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, an MDA Care Center, gave clinical insights on the advances in ALS genetic research and what clinicians can expect from the ALS/FTD track at the 2025 MDA Clinical & Scientific Conference.
Expanding the Development of Cell Therapy for Muscular Dystrophy: Rita Perlingeiro, PhD
February 18th 2025The Lillehei professor in stem cell and regenerative cardiovascular medicine at the University of Minnesota talked about the potential of investigating inducted pluripotent stem cells in neuromuscular diseases at MDA’s 2025 conference. [WATCH TIME: 8 minutes]
What to Expect at MDA’s 2025 Clinical and Scientific Conference: Barry J. Byrne, MD, PhD
January 30th 2025The chief medical advisor at the Muscular Dystrophy Association shared key highlights of what attendees can expect at the 2025 MDA Clinical and Scientific Conference. [WATCH TIME: 4 minutes]
NeurologyLive® Clinician of the Month Spotlight: Forum Kamdar, MD, PhD, FACC, FHFSA
September 30th 2024As part of our monthly clinician spotlight, NeurologyLive® highlighted neuromuscular-associated cardiomyopathy expert Forum Kamdar, MD, PhD, FACC, FHFSA, an advanced heart failure physician-scientist at the University of Minnesota.
A Melting Pot of Strategies and Collaboration at the 2025 MDA Conference: Sharon Hesterlee, PhD
September 26th 2024The chief research officer of the Muscular Dystrophy Association talked about what is to be expected at the 2025 MDA Conference, held March 16-19, in Dallas, Texas. [WATCH TIME: 5 minutes]
A Patient Perspective on Gene Therapy for Neuromuscular Diseases: Justin Moy
March 26th 2024The second-year PhD student in bioinformatics at Boston University who lives with LAMA2 congenital muscular dystrophy talked about the potential impact and challenges of gene therapy in neuromuscular diseases. [WATCH TIME: 5 minutes]
Intravenous Zolgensma Shows Motor Function Improvement in Heavier Pediatric Patients With SMA
March 7th 2024Findings from the recent phase 3b SMART trial affirm the safety and efficacy of intravenous onasemnogene abeparvovec (Zolgensma; Novartis) in spinal muscular atrophy when patient weights range from 8.5 kg to 21 kg.
Respiratory Patterns Differ in Pediatric Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
March 6th 2024A recent study presented at MDA 2024 highlighted the evolving respiratory patterns in pediatric patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, offering crucial insights for effective respiratory management in this patient population.
Preoperative Disease-Modifying Agents Reduce Postoperative Complications in SMA Scoliosis Surgery
March 5th 2024A recent study presented at MDA 2024 suggests that preoperative use of disease-modifying agents for patients with spinal muscular atrophy leads to less severe postoperative complications following scoliosis surgery.
Viltolarsen Shows Significant Pulmonary Function Gains in Ambulant and Nonambulant DMD
March 5th 2024In a recent phase 2 trial analysis of viltolarsen presented at MDA 2024, findings showed improvement in forced vital capacity compared with standard care in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Meta Analysis Shows Slow Decline of Muscle Function With Ataluren for Nonsense Mutation DMD
March 5th 2024A new meta analysis of 3 studies presented at MDA 2024 revealed that ataluren significantly slowed the decline in muscle function for patients with nonsense mutation Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Post Hoc Analysis Shows Consistent Efficacy With Givinostat for DMD
March 5th 2024A recent post hoc analysis of the phase 3 EPIDYS trial presented at MDA 2024 revealed significant positive outcomes with givinostat, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, among patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Reaction to 2024 MDA Legacy Award: Jeff Chamberlain, PhD
March 3rd 2024Jeff Chamberlain, PhD, a leading professor in gene therapy focused on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, shared his reaction to being named the recipient of the 2024 MDA Legacy Award, as well as the state of the DMD field currently.