Muscular Dystrophy Canada Announce Phase 2 of Newborn Screening Initiatives with Call for Funding Proposals

The NMD4C are excited to share an update from MDC around their ongoing work in newborn screening (NBS) for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

 

NBS gives families the opportunity to make important healthcare decisions from the very beginning and gives every child a chance to realize their developmental potential. After launching phase 1 in December which involved a readiness and feasibility assessment of standardized SMA screening programs in Canada, MDC is excited to launch Phase 2 of their work with a call for proposals for local newborn screening for SMA initiatives. 

 

It is anticipated that these projects will be led by labs or clinicians (or both) and should either focus on setting the lab up for testing or ensuring efficient uptake of policy (i.e., addition of SMA to existing provincial newborn screening panel).

 

The deadline to submit proposals is June 16th, 2021 @ 11:59pm ET.

 

Click here to read the full press release and find out more about MDC’s newborn screening initiatives and the call for proposals! If you have any questions, please email  

newborn screeningMay

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

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.

06-2026 NMD4C AFC Program Launch & September Workshop

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.