Newborn Screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Introduced in Alberta and Saskatchewan
We are excited to share that through the advocacy efforts of Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC), in the past week both Saskatchewan and Alberta’s provincial governments have implemented newborn screening (NBS) programs for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)!
On February 23rd, Saskatchewan officially expanded their newborn screening panel to include testing for SMA as part of its newborn screening program, and on February 28th Alberta announced that through a pilot project with MDC, newborns will be able to be screened for SMA.
MDC continues to work diligently with donors, provincial governments, partners and supporters to remove barriers so that screening for SMA in Canada is a reality. Read more about MDC’s multi-year, multi-phase endeavour in collaboration with Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. to better understand and address barriers for the implementation of newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
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Could You Be Our Next Awardee? Meet Jules Granet, NMD4C’s 2026 Publication of the Year Awardee
Nominations are open till by 18 January 2027!
In 2026, Jules Granet, a PhD Candidate at McGill University and trainee in Dr. Natasha Chang’s laboratory received an NMD4C Publication of the Year Award for research investigating how muscle stem cell dysfunction contributes to impaired muscle regeneration in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Nominate yourself or a neuromuscular colleague whose research, clinical care, leadership, advocacy, or community contributions deserve to be recognized.
Early Bird Registration Now Open: 8th Ottawa International Conference On Neuromuscular Disease & Biology
We are happy to announce that early bird registration is now open for the 8th Ottawa International Conference On Neuromuscular Disease & Biology which will be held on October 14-16, 2027 at the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa, Canada. Now under the leadership of NMD4C Investigators; Dr. Mireille Khacho, Dr. Hanns Lochmuller, Dr. Bernard Jasmin, and Dr. Rashmi Kothary.
NMD4C Launches Pre‑Clinical Expertise & Resource Database of Canadian Neuromuscular Labs
NMD4C announces the launch of its Pre-Clinical Expertise & Resources Database, a resource designed to showcase neuromuscular research expertise, specialized techniques, unique resources, and training opportunities across Canada.