Research is essential.
We’re not just talking about research for school papers or the research you do when planning your next wheelchair vans purchase. Don’t get us wrong, those are both important.
Research is essential for finding cures for disorders like ALS, muscular dystrophy and spinal cord injuries.
Luckily, fundraising and grants exist to help make much of this research possible.
A new grant to fund research.
Recently, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) announced a grant from Genzyme, a Sanofi company, in collaboration with Emory Genetics Laboratory will allow them to add to their already ongoing research efforts. This research being specifically for the limb-girdle form of muscular dystrophy (LGMD).
The grant will be used to allow MDA clinics to offer genetic testing for people experiencing LGMD type symptoms and do not already have a genetic diagnosis. This will allow clinicians and researchers to find better, more effective treatments for this subtype of Muscular Dystrophy disorder.
More about LGMD
LGMD has roughly 30 subtypes but the one thing they all have in common is that they involve weakness for the limb-girdle muscles (muscles surrounding the shoulders and hips). The weakness that’s presented within these muscles most often leads to limited mobility and an inability to raise the arms above the shoulders.
With research, there’s hope.
This is a step in advancing diagnostics for the disorder. It will help more people than ever before by assisting people living with LGMD and their doctors find more suitable treatment options that are tailored to the specific needs of those with LGMD.
In conjunction with other research strategies including gene therapy, exon skipping, stop codon-read through, and myostatin blocking, this research will lead to changes for people already experiencing LGMD symptoms or those who may develop them in the future.
Until a specific treatment or cure is found, our partners at the MDA will continue to seek the knowledge necessary to find a way.