Keeping In Touch

Sometimes, when you open the door to a long-hidden mystery, a shining treasure is revealed that beams out in all directions.

In this decade, the unlocking of the
human genome has shined a new light
on myriad aspects of our world. Genetics
research has revolutionized agriculture,
animal breeding, the criminal justice system, disease diagnosis and
much more.

At MDA, of course, we’re working toward our own revolution — cures for neuromuscular diseases. Today’s genetics knowledge holds the keys to doors leading to them, and we intend to open those doors very soon.

Through MDA’s Translational Research Program, we’ve undertaken partnerships with several biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, the National Institutes of Health, other advocacy organizations and academic institutions. Together, our efforts have kindled more human trials of potential neuromuscular disease treatments than ever before.

Every year MDA has its share of impressive research breakthroughs, and 2007 has had some golden moments. As we approach the end of the year, it’s a fitting time to look back and take stock. Among this year’s highlights:

n We’re invested in trials of two major potential treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, each addressing a different approach.

n We’ve learned more about muscle function and ways to repair genes, block harmful genes, and harness potentially useful proteins to stimulate muscle growth.

n We’ve uncovered new genetic information about facioscapulohumeral and limb-girdle muscular dystrophies, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, nemaline myopathy, spinal muscular atrophy, Friedreich’s ataxia and other diseases.

n We’ve discovered significant genetic factors that may contribute to ALS, as well as a new grasp of what SOD1-related ALS can and can’t tell us about noninherited ALS.

n We began our biggest research project ever — a thorough review of all the gene and protein changes that occur in a person with ALS. This knowledge will be used to develop entirely new drug approaches for the disease.

You’ve read about all of these, and other breakthroughs, in the pages of Quest and on our Web site, www.mda.org.

As scientists, theologians and pundits muse about the future that genetics research will bring, MDA is very clear about what treasures it wants. We’ll keep shining that light on the road to a cure for neuromuscular diseases. Wherever the path leads, we’ll be there in the forefront.

I have two hopes for 2008: that it will be a year of joy and peace for you and those you love; and that we’ll find that final key that will open the door to the real treasure.

Gerald C. Weinberg President & CEO

MDA was founded in 1950 by adults with neuromuscular diseases and parents of children with these disorders. It’s a voluntary health agency working to defeat neuromuscular diseases through worldwide research, comprehensive services, and professional and public health education.

NatioNal ChairmaN

PresideNt & Ceo ChairmaN of the Board ChairmaN, exeCutive Committee seCretary treasurer

Jerry Lewis

Gerald C. Weinberg

R. Rodney Howell

Olin F. Morris

Timmi Masters

Suzanne Lowden

maNagiNg editor art direCtor

mediCal aNd sCieNCe editor assistaNt maNagiNg editor advertisiNg sales maNager desigNers

Christina Medvescek

David Saint John

Margaret Wahl

Richard Senti

Maureen Tuncer

Danika Kopec

Libby Rogers

Robin Blakely

PuBlished BimoNthly By

suBsCriPtioN

Muscular Dystrophy Association Inc.,
3300 E. Sunrise Drive, Tucson, AZ 85718-
3299 ☎ (520) 529-2000,
e-mail: publications@mdausa.org
Available on the Internet at www.mda.org
ISSN 1087-1578
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Quest is free to those with any of the neuromuscular diseases in MDA’s program. Subscriptions are $15 per year for others, $24 per year outside the United States. For subscription help see page 8.

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