Experts present key considerations in the design of rigorous preclinical studies in rodent models of muscular dystrophy, including animal model selection, assays and endpoints, and how your results can inform translation to the clinic.

In the muscular dystrophies (MD), the vigorous pace of basic and clinical discovery is generating a growing number of small molecule and genetic strategies towards the goal of a genetic cure or halting disease progression. In most cases, the path to the clinic requires a proof-of-concept study followed by an IND-enabling study in small animals to evaluate toxicity and estimate the starting dose.

This webinar will cover key considerations in the design and execution of rigorous pre-clinical efficacy studies in rodent models of MD. With a focus on Duchenne MD, we will consider the rodent models available, deciding on appropriate assays and endpoints, and how the results may inform the translation to the clinic.

Key Topics Include:

  • Consideration when designing a pre-clinical efficacy study in rodent models of muscular dystrophy
  • Choosing animal models, assays and endpoints
  • How your results can inform the translation to the clinic
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Presenters

Co-Founder
University of Maryland SOM

Co-Founder
Loyola University Chicago

EVP, Chief Research Officer
Muscular Dystrophy Association

Dr. Hesterlee has over 20 years of experience in neuromuscular research in both the nonprofit and industry space. She has served as head of research for Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation, the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration and the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s MDA Venture Philanthropy. Dr. Hesterlee has also served as project lead for rare disease gene therapy programs at Pfizer, Inc., as Chief Executive Officer of Lion Therapeutics, and as Executive Vice President and Head of the Neuromuscular Division of Askbio Inc.

Production Partner

Aurora Scientific, Inc.

Aurora Scientific supports the scientific community in its goal of research and discovery by providing precision instrumentation of the highest quality design, construction and functionality for Muscle Physiology, Material Science and Neuroscience applications.

Myologica

Founded in 2014, Myologica is a contract research organization specializing in neuromuscular function and muscle phenotyping. Started in collaboration with the University of Maryland, Myologica seeks to fill a void in specialized muscle function testing and help others with their research. Whether establishing disease models, determining mechanism of action or screening drug candidates, Myologica has the expertise you need. Our work is backed by over 100 publications and we partner with several instrument manufacturers to offer cutting-edge techniques. We can work with small startups, large pharmaceutical companies, non-profit foundations or academic laboratories, tailoring our approach to each experimental question and budget.

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