Dr. Hanns Lochmüller Recipient of the Dr. George Karpati Award for Researcher of the Year
The NMD4C are excited to share that the network’s lead investigator Dr. Hanns Lochmüller is the recipient of Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s Dr. George Karpati Award for Researcher of the Year! This prestigious award is presented annually to an exemplary neuromuscular clinician or researcher who has made a significant contribution to neuromuscular research, or the advancement of care of people with neuromuscular disorders.
Dr. Lochmuller is a neurologist and clinical academic specializing in genetic neuromuscular disorders and rare disease in Ottawa, and supports the neuromuscular community in many ways: He is the lead Principal Investigator of the Neuromuscular Disease Network for Canada (NMD4C); He is an active member of MDC’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee (MSAC); He reviews research grants, speaks at various webinars, contributes to publications (over 30 in 2021 alone!), serves as a role model for early career clinicians and scientists, as well as serving as an academic lead on MDC’s Economic Cost of Living Study.
Dr. Lochmuller is a champion for the patient community and is strongly committed to bringing patients and patient organizations into equal partnerships. He has been instrumental in ensuring individuals impacted by NMDs and their family members are at the center of advances in the neuromuscular community in Canada and abroad.
Read more about Dr. Lochmüller’s accomplishments and research here, or visit the Lochmüller Lab website.
Read next...
New Publication from the NMD4C Clinical Trial Network Strengthens Trial Capacity in Canada
We are pleased to share a new publication from the NMD4C Clinical Trial Network led by Kerri Lynn Schellenberg, Homira Osman, Maria Masnata, Rhiannon Hicks, Corinne Kagan, Ana Stosic, Stacey Lintern, Erin Beattie, Drs. Hanns Lochmüller, Craig Campbell, and Jean K Mah. This work focuses on the implementation of a coordinated Canadian neuromuscular clinical trial network to enhance trial readiness, capacity, and access in rare disease research.
Canadian-Led Phase II Studies Advance Vamorolone Evidence in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
NMD4C investigators contributed to two phase II studies evaluating vamorolone in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy across early childhood and adolescence, demonstrating safety, favorable pharmacokinetics, and potential efficacy. Led by Dr. Jean Mah and conducted across Canadian clinical trial sites with national and industry collaborators, the findings supported Health Canada approval of vamorolone as the first treatment for DMD in Canada. Leaders from both the clinical and patient advocacy communities, including Defeat Duchenne Canada, highlighted the impact of collaboration among patients, families, clinicians, and researchers in advancing care and improving access to new therapies.
Advancing AFC in Neuromuscular Medicine: Program Launch & September Workshop
The Royal College has approved National Training Standards for the AFC in Neuromuscular Medicine, creating a formal pathway to recognize enhanced competence with the DRCPSC credential. This designation establishes a national training standard, supports portable certification, and strengthens clinical capacity across Canada. PGME offices can now apply to offer accredited AFC programs, with a goal of five programs submitting applications by the end of 2026.