2026 MDA Conference Highlights in Neuromuscular Disease Research: Brian Lin, PhD

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"I think my biggest takeaway from the conference is really that spirit of partnership that he talked about. I saw industry talking to clinicians, and clinicians talking to researchers, many of the researchers talking to young trainees, and then also a lot of patient advocacy groups talking to regulatory agency members and clinicians, and everyone just talking to each other throughout the conference."

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) concluded its 2026 MDA Clinical & Scientific Conference, held March 9-11, in Orlando, Florida, which brought together more than 2400 attendees from 40 countries to discuss advancements in neuromuscular research and care. The meeting included 7 scientific tracks and 32 sessions, with 63 abstract-based oral presentations and 195 expert speakers. Presentations focused on developments in gene-targeted and RNA-based therapies, muscle regeneration, biomarker development, clinical trial optimization, and multidisciplinary care approaches, highlighting ongoing collaboration across research, clinical, industry, and advocacy stakeholders.¹

At the meeting, conference leadership and invited speakers emphasized the evolving landscape of neuromuscular medicine. Among them included Sharon Hesterlee, PhD, who noted the increasing translation of scientific discovery into therapeutic advances and changes in standards of care. In addition, biotech advocate John Crowley delivered a keynote addressing innovation, policy, and patient impact, followed by a discussion on sustaining therapeutic development and access. Amy Comstock Rick, JD, outlined regulatory efforts to support rare disease therapy development through the FDA’s Rare Disease Innovation Hub while patient advocate Lily Sander shared her perspective as a patient, underscoring the day-to-day impact of neuromuscular conditions and the importance of continued progress in research and care.

Following the conference,NeurologyLive^® spoke with Brian Lin, PhD, research portfolio director at the MDA, who reflected on the highly energized and well-attended meeting that underscored the rapid momentum in neuromuscular research. He noted that a central theme was the importance of cross-sector collaboration among academia, industry, clinicians, regulatory bodies, and patient communities. He explained that the conference showcased a robust pipeline of emerging therapies alongside increasing prioritization of clinical trial readiness and biomarker development. Lin also emphasized the growing integration of patient perspectives into research and care, noting that patient-reported outcomes and advocacy are key components to shape therapeutic development.

Click here for more MDA 2026 coverage.

REFERENCES
1. The 2026 MDA Clinical & Scientific Conference Highlights Breakthroughs in Neuromuscular Research, Innovative Therapies, and Patient Care. News release. MDA. March 12, 2026. Accessed March 18, 2026. https://www.mda.org/press-releases/the-2026-mda-clinical-scientific-conference-highlights-breakthroughs-in-neuromuscular-research