Methods of Treating Muscular Dystrophy

Background

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) affects 1 in 3500 live male births with patients suffering from chronic muscle degeneration and weakness. Clinical symptoms are first detected between the ages of 2 and 5 years and, by the time the patient is in their teens, the ability for independent ambulation is lost. Death typically occurs in the patient before they are 30 years old due to cardiopulmonary failure.

Description

Our researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno have shown that the a7β1 integrin is a major modifier of disease progression in several muscular dystrophies including DMD. They have also shown that administering an effective amount of an α7β1 integrin modulatory agent can enhance muscle regeneration, repair, or maintenance in a subjects with muscular dystrophies.

Advantages

• Novel method to treat DMD.
• Issued patent.
• Large body of supporting research.
• Ongoing research efforts.

Related Documents

• Research Group: https://med.unr.edu/pharmacology/research/lab-burkin-d
• Publications: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=burkin+DJ

Patent

• 10,028,992
• 15/382,448
• 15/619,256
• 15/961,408
• 15/979,325
• 16/019,194
• 16/236,244

UNR12-003