July Knowledge Translation Update
Coming Soon – Series of Webinars on Knowledge Translation
Knowledge translation (KT) is a dynamic and iterative process that includes dissemination of knowledge to provide more effective health services and products, and to strengthen the health care system [1]. KT products (e.g., leaflets, videos, websites) are important tools to inform health care providers, patients and families about the process of KT, thereby ensuring that they have the confidence and knowledge needed to bring their expertise forward to guide discussions and inform decisions regarding health care, research, and therapy development for Canadians living with Neuromuscular Diseases (NMD).
The NMD4C is excited to announce the launch of a series of webinars that will support KT abilities, with the first webinar to be held on Wednesday, September 29th.
Please stay tuned for more details to come!
Meet our Newest Team Member : Samar Muslemani
We are happy to welcome Ms. Samar Muslemani to the KT team. Samar is an occupational therapist and research student who will support the KT team and act as a knowledge broker for the NMD4C.
Samar will take over her role from Dr. Valérie Gagné; the NMD4C are very appreciative of all the hard work that Dr. Gagné has done for the network over the past year, and we would like to wish her the best in her future pursuits.
[1] https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/29418.html
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NMD4C Hosts 3rd Annual Basic Research Summer School at uOttawa!
From June 8 to 10, 2026, we hosted the 3rd annual NMD4C Basic Research Summer School at the University of Ottawa. The program supported 28 neuromuscular research trainees (graduate students and postdoctoral fellows) from across Canada and focused on developing practical skills, strengthening core knowledge in neuromuscular research, and providing opportunities to present and discuss their work. Through a combination of tutorials, lectures, hands-on workshops in cutting-edge wet lab techniques, flash talks, and both structured and informal networking, participants engaged with faculty, exchanged ideas, and built connections across institutions and career stages.
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.