MDC is incredibly thankful to have volunteers who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to raising funds, increasing awareness and advocating for the NMD community, and supporting continued research. Volunteers give so much, in so many ways, it’s hard to express how appreciative we are for their dedication. One way MDC shows our gratitude and celebrates the contributions of all volunteers is with the annual Dr David Green Awards. Last year, we were very excited to celebrate some of these amazing people and organizations in front of their peers at MDC’s Champions of Change conference in November 2023 with the presentation of their awards. Thank you to every single person who gives their time, thought, skills, connections and passion to help support the Canadian neuromuscular community.
Want to change a life? Consider volunteering at MDC today!
Moving Research & Discovery Forward – The 2024 Neuromuscular Clinical and Translational Research Grant Recipients
Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) is pleased to announce the recipients of its annual Neuromuscular Research Grants competition. Through these grants, MDC is investing $900,000 into clinical and translational research projects focused on managing healthcare, understanding diagnosis and disease progression, enhancing care, discovering novel treatments and therapies and moving research towards the development of cures.
This year, the funded studies focus on spinal muscular atrophy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy, dysferlinopathies, limb-girdle muscular dystrophies, immune-mediated myopathies, autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) and cross-cutting research with findings that will inform a wide range of neuromuscular disorders. Additionally, thanks to the generosity of our supporters, MDC was able to invest $63,630 towards an innovative natural history study led by Dr. Gonorazky on Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, bringing our investment in research projects close to $1 million.
“These grants fund research across a broad set of neuromuscular disorders, help fill current gaps in the funding landscape, and honour our commitment to increasing opportunities for translational research,” said Stacey Lintern, CEO, Muscular Dystrophy Canada. “Of course, this is only possible thanks to our generous donors, incredible supporters, Fire Fighters and volunteers. I’d also like to thank the clinicians and researchers on our Scientific Review Panel, as well our Lived Experience Readers who volunteered their time and expertise in selecting this year’s recipients.”
2024-2025 clinical and translational science research grant recipients:
Dr Haim Abenhaim
Maternal and neonatal outcomes of cesarean deliveries in women with muscular dystrophy
Dr Krista Best
Efficacy of wheelchair skills training to improve mobility for people with ARSACS and DM1
Dr Nathalie Bier
Understanding the impact of central nervous system impairments on daily life in myotonic dystrophy
Dr Rageen Rajendram
Utilizing AI to predict non-invasive ventilation need in neuromuscular disorders: a proof of concept
Dr Karine Choquet
Elucidating DYSF pre-mRNA splicing to inform therapeutic avenues for dysferlinopathies
Dr Lisa Hoffman
Angiopoietin-1 enhances microdystrophin replacement therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Dr Rashmi Kothary
Maternal transfer of AAV vectors: a minimally invasive approach to deliver SMN-gene therapy for SMA
Dr Keir Menzies
A new in vitro eccentric muscle contraction assay for drug repurposing for muscular dystrophy
Dr Gerald Pfeffer
Single nucleus RNAseq biomarkers in adult-onset muscle diseases
Learn more about MDC’s research investments and the incredible projects that will improve our understanding and drive the development of new treatments and cures for NMDs:
Watch the full Neuromuscular Research
Grants announcement
Looking to connect with MDC’s Research Team? No problem! Contact our Research Hotline at research@muscle.ca
Donors make it possible to invest in both neuromuscular disorder research and care, now and for the future
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) together with the Neuromuscular Disease Network for Canada (NMD4C) are thrilled to announce the recipients of the National Clinical and Post-doctoral Fellowships funding competition. This competition involves an extensive review by leading Canadian neuromuscular researchers and clinicians to ensure the top-ranked candidates are selected for this funding opportunity.
“Too often we hear from our community about the long and difficult process of accessing specialists or that they are unable to find information on their neuromuscular disorder, let alone access to treatments or trials. We know how critical it is to invest in the future generations of neuromuscular disorder specialists to drive research momentum forward and improve the current standard of care available in Canada,” said Stacey Lintern, CEO, Muscular Dystrophy Canada. “Together, by providing both Post-doctoral and Clinical Fellowships, we are ensuring the sustainability and progress of Canadian neuromuscular research as well as building a stronger infrastructure of skilled clinicians educated on neuromuscular disorders in Canada.”
These fellowships are made possible each year by the outstanding community of supporters who work tirelessly to support the neuromuscular community. Generous donors, passionate fundraisers and dedicated Fire Fighters across the country make it possible for MDC to fund promising researchers, ensuring Canada is prepared to provide access to new life-changing treatments, while also filling the immediate need for advanced treatment and care options by supporting future clinicians. This is a community effort and we are extremely grateful for the ongoing support. From the entire neuromuscular community, congratulations to all recipients!
Post-doctoral fellowship recipients:
Centre de recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine
Montreal, QC
SickKids Hospital
Toronto, ON
Clinical fellowship recipients:
University of Western Ontario
London, ON
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC
University of Calgary
Calgary, AB
MDC and NMD4C extend special thanks to the Canadian Society of Clinical Neurophysiologists (CSCN) for jointly funding a clinical fellow this year.
Learn more about the fellowship awards
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ABOUT MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY CANADA
Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s mission is to enhance the lives of those impacted with neuromuscular disorders by continually working to provide ongoing support and resources while relentlessly searching for a cure through well-funded research. To learn more about Muscular Dystrophy Canada, please visit muscle.ca or call our toll-free number at 1-800-567-2873.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Heather RiceMuscular Dystrophy Canada
Heather.Rice@muscle.ca
902-440-3714