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Last Posted: Jun 13, 2024
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The FDA and Gene Therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

From the article: " DMD is the largest human gene and has 79 exons. This large size creates issues for gene therapies, but also opportunities, because shortened forms of dystrophin can have some ability to preserve muscle function, although less than the full-length dystrophin protein. A less severe and clinically variable form of muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy, is due to alterations in DMD that result in variable levels of expression (5%-50% of normal) of a shortened form of dystrophin."

Assessing the Benefits and Harms Associated with Early Diagnosis from the Perspective of Parents with Multiple Children Diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
O Battacharria et al, IJNS, April 15, 2024

From the abstract: " Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare neuromuscular disorder diagnosed in childhood. Limited newborn screening in the US often delays diagnosis. With multiple FDA-approved therapies, early diagnosis is crucial for timely treatment but may entail other benefits and harms. Using a community-based survey, we explored how parents of siblings with DMD perceived early diagnosis of one child due to a prior child’s diagnosis. We assessed parents’ viewpoints across domains including diagnostic journey, treatment initiatives, service access, preparedness, parenting, emotional impact, and caregiving experience."

Newborn screening for Duchenne muscular dystrophy: the perspectives of stakeholders.
Charli Ji et al. Lancet Reg Health West Pac 2024 3 101049

From the abstract: "Participants included 50 caregivers and 26 HCPs (68.5% and 53.1% response rate respectively). Most caregivers (40/50, 80%) perceived net benefits of DMD NBS and highlighted an early diagnosis as actionable knowledge, even with the current paucity of disease modifying therapies. This knowledge was valued to enable access to multidisciplinary supportive care (29/50, 58%), clinical trials (27/50, 54%), psychological support (28/50, 56%), inform reproductive planning (27/50, 54%), and facilitate financial planning based on the future needs of their child (27/50, 54%). "

Diagnosis and Management of Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1
J Hartman et al, JAMA March 11, 2024

From the article: " Myotonic dystrophy type 1 is the most common form of muscular dystrophy. A recent genetic prevalence study of 50?382 consecutive births from the New York state newborn screening program estimated prevalence to be approximately 1:2100 individuals. This estimate is substantially higher than previously reported global estimates, which ranged from 5 to 20 per 100?000 individuals.2 Additional prevalence studies are needed with representative populations in other regions of the world. In an analysis of 679 patients in a US registry, individuals with myotonic dystrophy type 1 had a 7-year delay from symptom onset to diagnosis."


Disclaimer: Articles listed in the Public Health Genomics and Precision Health Knowledge Base are selected by the CDC Office of Public Health Genomics to provide current awareness of the literature and news. Inclusion in the update does not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nor does it imply endorsement of the article's methods or findings. CDC and DHHS assume no responsibility for the factual accuracy of the items presented. The selection, omission, or content of items does not imply any endorsement or other position taken by CDC or DHHS. Opinion, findings and conclusions expressed by the original authors of items included in the update, or persons quoted therein, are strictly their own and are in no way meant to represent the opinion or views of CDC or DHHS. References to publications, news sources, and non-CDC Websites are provided solely for informational purposes and do not imply endorsement by CDC or DHHS.

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