NMD4C Submits Application for CIHR Network Grant
In January, the NMD4C submitted an application for the CIHR Network Grant in Skin Health, Bone Health, and Muscular Dystrophy grant competition to fund the next phase of the network. In this grant application, the current NMD4C investigators partnered with Muscular Dystrophy Canada, led by nominated principal applicant Dr. Hanns Lochmüller and principal knowledge user Dr. Homira Osman, along with over 60 principal- and co-applicants, collaborators, patient partners and knowledge users. If successful, this funding will allow the network to build on the three years of activity to date and expand into further initiatives to continue to fulfil our mission to improve NMD care and treatment for all Canadians.
We were delighted by the opportunity to bring together such a large and strong group of stakeholders to build our plans for neuromuscular research and networking across Canada for the next five years. Thanks to all those involved!
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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.