King’s Medal Awarded to Canadian Neuromuscular Clinicans and Researchers
We are incredibly proud to share that several NMD4C investigators and collaborators from the Canadian neuromuscular community have been awarded a King Charles III’s Coronation Medal in recognition of their outstanding contributions and service in the neuromuscular field. This prestigious honour highlights their dedication, resilience, and impact in making a difference in the lives of people affected by NMDs.
We are pleased to congratulate the remarkable individuals, who received this recognition through nominations from Muscular Dystrophy Canada and the ALS Society of Canada for their outstanding achievements in the neuromuscular field, including NMD4C investigators and collaborators Drs Bernard Brais, Cynthia Gagnon, Rashmi Kothary, Lawrence Korngut, Alex MacKenzie, Colleen O’Connell, Kerri Schellenberg, Christen Shoesmith, Lorne Zinman, Robin Parks, and Guy Rouleau.
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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.