The NeurologyLive® neuromuscular disease clinical focus page offers updates and information related to the clinical care and management of individuals with neuromuscular diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, and spinal muscular atrophy, as well as rare diseases. This page consists of news, podcasts, and videos about the latest FDA actions, clinical guideline updates, interviews with physicians, study and clinical trial findings, and more.
August 20th 2025
Phase 3 study demonstrates risdiplam's effectiveness in treating presymptomatic spinal muscular atrophy, showing improved outcomes for infants identified through newborn screening.
Improving Timely ALS Diagnosis With the thinkALS Toolkit: Melody Schaeffer, PhD, MPH
April 14th 2025The senior director of mission programs at The ALS Association discussed how the thinkALS Toolkit can aid general neurologists in identifying and referring suspected cases more efficiently. [WATCH TIME: 5 minutes]
Amylyx Begins Phase 1 LUMINA Study of CAPN2-Targeting Agent for ALS
April 12th 2025The phase 1 LUMINA trial evaluates Amylyx Pharmaceuticals' AMX0114, an antisense oligonucleotide targeting calpain-2, as a potential therapy for ALS by focusing on safety, tolerability, and biomarkers tied to disease progression.
CAR-T Therapy Descartes-08 Demonstrates Efficacy, Safety in Phase 2 Trial of Myasthenia Gravis
April 11th 2025Phase 2b trial results showed Descartes-08, a CAR-T therapy, achieved sustained efficacy and a strong safety profile in myasthenia gravis, with notable responses in biologic-naïve patients and no major safety concerns over 12 months.
Revolutionizing Neurology Care: Previewing Cleveland Clinic’s New Neurological Institute
April 11th 2025Cleveland Clinic’s $1.1 billion Neurological Institute, opening in 2027, will revolutionize neurological care with a state-of-the-art, patient-centered design integrating advanced technology and innovative care solutions.
Next-Gen Gene Editing for Muscular Dystrophy: Exploring the ARCUS Approach
April 10th 2025Cassandra Gorsuch, PhD, chief scientific officer at Precision Biosciences, discussed the company’s ARCUS gene editing platform, its innovative approach to treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and promising preclinical data presented at MDA 2025.
ZYN002 Gel Shows Long-Term Safety and Behavioral Improvements in Fragile X Syndrome
April 8th 2025Newly presented open-label extension results at AAN 2025 suggest that investigational ZYN002, a cannabidiol gel, may help improve irritability in children and adolescents living with Fragile X syndrome.
Sarepta’s Duchenne Gene Therapy Trials Paused in Europe Amid Patient Death Investigation
April 3rd 2025The European Medicines Agency has requested a pause on 3 clinical trials of FDA-approved gene therapy Elevidys following the death of a patient who suffered acute liver failure after treatment.
Exploring Multimodal Approaches to Neural Regeneration: Kuldip Dave, PhD
March 31st 2025The senior vice president of research at The ALS Association talked about a multidisciplinary session presented at the 2025 MDA Conference that highlighted diverse strategies for neural repair, from pharmacological targets to noninvasive brain stimulation. [WATCH TIME: 6 minutes]
Insights into OPMD and Advancements in Genetic Research: Matthew Wicklund, MD
March 31st 2025The professor of neurology at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio provided clinical insights on the genetic basis of oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy, as well as the primary challenges in diagnosing and treating the condition. [WATCH TIME: 5 minutes]
The Urgency of Funding and Equity in Neuromuscular Research and Care: Robert Califf, MD
March 27th 2025The former FDA commissioner spoke on the need for policy and funding efforts for neuromuscular disorders, the stress on the clinical care system, and the need to acknowledge healthcare inequities. [WATCH TIME: 4 minutes]
WVE-N531 Improves Muscle Health in Latest Phase 2 Trial of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
March 27th 2025WVE-N531, an investigational exon-skipping therapy, showed promising 48-week results in the FORWARD-53 study, marking the first-ever improvement in muscle health for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, with plans for an NDA filing in 2026.