NEW YORK , Sept. 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) announced today the awarding of 15 new MDA grants totaling more than $4 million toward research focused on a variety of neuromuscular diseases (NMDs), including Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), Becker's muscular dystrophy (BMD), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). This round of grant funding reinforces MDA's unwavering commitmentin the face of declining income due to the COVID-19 pandemicto the progress of neuromuscular disease research and builds on the more than $1 billion MDA has already invested in research to uncover new treatments and cures for NMDs since its inception. Some grants will go into effect this year, while others will be awarded in 2021.

"We continue to fund the most innovative research that will lead us to cures for a range of neuromuscular diseases," says Sharon Hesterlee, PhD, executive vice president and chief research officer for Muscular Dystrophy Association. "We have already seen our investment pay off with the first effective neuromuscular disease therapies, and these grantees are pushing the envelope even further in diseases once thought incurable."

Dr. Hesterlee added, "Although COVID led the cancellation of MDA's spring review session, we are pleased to announce the funding of these projects, which were reviewed in 2019."

The newly funded projects will aim to advance research discoveries and new therapy development in multiple areas. The awarded grants will fund studies to further advance our understanding of genetic causes of and risk factors for NMDs, investigate new approaches to developing gene therapies and other innovative potential treatments, including stopping disease progression and improving genetic testing technologies.

For a complete list of individual awards for this grant cycle, visit MDA's website and explore the Grants at a Glance section. Highlights from the grant awards for this grant cycle include:

ALS grants will be announced separately later this month, as will grants being given jointly by MDA and other organizations.

About the Muscular Dystrophy Association For 70 years, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has been committed to transforming the lives of people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. We do this through innovations in science and innovations in care . As the largest source of funding for neuromuscular disease research outside of the federal government, MDA has committed more than $1 billion since our inception to accelerate the discovery of therapies and cures. Research we have supported is directly linked to life-changing therapies across multiple neuromuscular diseases. MDA's MOVR is the first and only data hub that aggregates clinical, genetic, and patient-reported data for multiple neuromuscular diseases to improve health outcomes and accelerate drug development. MDA supports the largest network of multidisciplinary clinics providing best in class care at more than 150 of the nation's top medical institutions. Our Resource Center serves the community with one-on-one specialized support, and we offer educational conferences, events, and materials for families and healthcare providers. Each year thousands of children and young adults learn vital life skills and gain independence at summer camp and through recreational programs, at no cost to families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, MDA continues to produce virtual events and programming to support our community when in-person events and activities are not possible. MDA's COVID-19 guidelines and virtual events are posted at mda.org/COVID19 . For more information, visit mda.org .

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SOURCE Muscular Dystrophy Association

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Muscular Dystrophy Association Awards 15 Grants Totaling More Than $4 Million for Neuromuscular Disease Research - Stockhouse