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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A Milestone in Neuromuscular Care: AGAMREE® (vamorolone) Approved as the First Treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in Canada
Health Canada has approved AGAMREE® (vamorolone), the first-ever treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) in Canada. Patient Support Program opens for enrollment on October 10, 2025.
New Best Practice Recommendations for SBMA Care in Canada
Congratulations to Dr. Kerri Schellenberg, the team of Canadian experts, NMD4C Steering Committee members and Investigators, on publishing the first Canadian SBMA care guidelines!
Advancing Neuromuscular Research and Care: Highlights from the 2025 NMD4C Annual Meeting
On September 11, NMD4C hosted its 2025 Annual Meeting in Ottawa, bringing together clinicians, researchers, trainees, and partners for a full day of collaboration, strategic dialogue, and community-building.
NMD4C Hosts Inaugural Clinical Summer School to Empower Canada’s Future Neuromuscular Leaders
On September 10–11, NMD4C hosted its inaugural Clinical Summer School in Ottawa, bringing together 19 neuromuscular clinical fellows from across Canada for two days of hands-on training, mentorship, and networking. Led by national experts and co-chaired by Drs. Gordon Jewitt and Marianne Nury, the program complemented NMD4C’s accredited lecture series and fostered peer connection through dedicated community-building sessions.
2026 Neuromuscular Postdoctoral Research Fellowships Funding Competition is Now Open!
Apply Or Share this opportunity with the trainees in your network — Deadline: October 14, 2025. Hosted by Neuromuscular Disease Network for Canada (NMD4C) and Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC)
Announcing the 2026 Neuromuscular Clinical Fellowship Award Recipients
We are excited to share that the 2026 Neuromuscular Clinical Fellowship Awards have been awarded! These fellowships strengthen clinical training in neuromuscular medicine and help prepare the next generation of specialists who will advance neuromuscular care across Canada.