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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You Can Now Find NMD4C on Bluesky
We’re moving to Bluesky! The NMD4C will now share updates on Bluesky instead of X. Please consider following us at @nmd4c.ca to stay connected!
CIHR Funds Interdisciplinary Project to Study SBMA in Indigenous Peoples of the Prairie Provinces
The NMD4C is excited to share that network investigators have been awarded funding from the CIHR for an Interdisciplinary Spinal-bulbar muscular atrophy study in Indigenous peoples of the prairie provinces, addressing the community needs, and developing clinical knowledge and therapies.
NMD4C Presents the 2025 Early Career Award Recipients
We are excited to announce the recipients of the 2025 NMD4C Early Career Awards! This is the third year of our annual award program, celebrating excellence and contribution to the neuromuscular field from early career investigators across both clinical and basic science streams.
Muscular Dystrophy Canada Launches Initiative to Improve Genetic Testing Access for Myotonic Dystrophy
Muscular Dystrophy Canada is thrilled to launch an innovative initiative designed to tackle the diagnostic hurdles experienced by individuals with myotonic dystrophy.
New Content Available in LEARNMD
LEARNMD is the NMD4C’s online educational platform, offering talks and sessions on a wide range of neuromuscular topics presented by leading clinical and scientific experts worldwide. We’re excited to share what’s new on LEARNMD in February 2025!
Quebec Network Réseau Québécoise de l’Amyotrophie Spinale Joins NMD4C as Community of Practice Sub-Group
We are thrilled to announce that the RQAS, a network uniting rehabilitation clinicians across Quebec to advance the care of people with Spinal Muscular Atrophy has officially become a sub-group Community of Practice of the NMD4C