MDA 2012 Conference Report: Genetics and Immunology Update

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:

MDA and ALS TDI Extend Partnership Through 2012

MDA has extended its strategic research partnership with the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) through 2012 and awarded a $2 million grant to support the nonprofit biotech's continued efforts to develop treatments forALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease).

Rhinoceros, Kenya, 2001

Artist: 
Angelo Sciulli

Angelo became a nature and wildlife photographer and writer in 1997.  A year later he received a diagnosis of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), but has continued to travel and publish marvelous works.  His magazine photo credits include Nature Photographer, Natural History and MDA’s Quest.

MDA Genetic Counseling Webinar Answers Key Questions

Respondents to MDA’s Transitions Survey — in other words, people with a neuromuscular disease who are in their teens through late 30s — made it clear they had questions about the genetics of their disease, as well as questions about family planning and the value of diagnostic testing.

MDA’s Genetic Counseling Webinar, which occurred Feb. 22, 2012, answers many of those questions.

ALS Research Briefs: MSP, Metabolic Proteins

Below are highlights of two recent studies in ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease).

ALS TDI to Test Multiple Sclerosis Drug in ALS

A phase 2 clinical trial is set to begin of TDI 132, a compound that modulates the immune system, the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) announced today.

TDI 132, also known as fingolimod (brand name Gilenya), already is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

MDA Awards $2 Million in ALS Grants

Six new MDA grants totaling $2 million have been awarded to research projects seeking to uncover the basic mechanisms that drive ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), with an eye toward the development of future therapies. The grants took effect Feb. 1.

"It's exciting to see that recent scientific advances in ALS have spurred the funding of promising new areas of research," said MDA Vice President of Research Sanjay Bidichandani. "That's what happens when researchers let science lead the way."

MDA Commits $12 Million to Neuromuscular Disease Research

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.

ALS - Terry Heiman-Patterson, M.D.

MDA awarded a research grant totaling $330,000 over a period of three years to Terry Heiman-Patterson, section chief of neuromuscular disorders at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. Heiman-Patterson also is medical director of the MDA/ALS Center of Hope at that institution.

The newly awarded funds will help support Heiman-Patterson's work to identify "modifier" genes in mouse models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

ALS - Claudio Hetz, Ph.D.

Claudio Hetz, full professor at the Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine at the University of Chile in Santiago, was awarded an MDA research grant totaling $217,500 over a period of three years. The funds will help support Hetz’ study of protein misfolding and mislocation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

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