NMD4C Welcomes Two New Staff Members
The NMD4C recently welcomed two new members to the network coordination team! Marine Christin, PhD joins us as the new Pre-Clinical Science Coordinator, and Maria Masnata, PhD joins as the Clinical Trials and Community of Practice Manager.
Marine Christin, PhD | Pre-Clinical Science Coordinator
After graduating with a BSc and an MSc in Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neurobiology, Marine Christin obtained her Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Interactions from Nice Sophia-Antipolis University. During her postdoctoral fellowship at McGill University, her research focused on investigating the role of ion channels in pain. Currently serving as the Program Manager for the McGill Regenerative Medicine Network, she oversees and coordinates research and educational activities within the Network.
Within the NMD4C, Marine oversees the coordination of the animal and cell-based research activities, including the basic research summer school.
Maria Masnata, PhD | Clinical Trials and Community of Practice Manager
Maria has over 10 years of experience in clinical and in preclinical research in the field of the Neurosciences. She received her M.Sc. in Pharmacy from University of Cagliari in 2015 and her Ph.D. in Neurobiology from Université Laval in 2021. Maria developed extensive experience in clinical research and project management during her previous role as the Assistant Manager of the Investigator-Initiated Trial team of the Clinical Research Unit at The Montreal Neurological Institute/Hospital (McGill University).
With a proven track record of managing and coordinating projects leading to Health Canada-approved clinical trials, peer-reviewed publications and national/international presentations, Maria is committed to advancing healthcare and advocating for scientific innovation in her role as Clinical Trials and Community of Practice Manager.
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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.
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.