March 2011
Government announces £775 million investment into translational research
The Department of Health has announced an investment of £775 million into translational research over then next five years. Translational research aims to deliver promising new treatments to patients. This funding will be made available to partnerships between the NHS and universities through the National Institute for Health Research Read More

January 2011
Genetic discovery improves understanding of FSH Muscular Dystrophy cause
A new study supported in part by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) has found that two separate genetic arrangements Read More

Summer 2010
Sensing a breakthrough
When researchers pinpointed the genetic mutation that leads to the disease known as facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) in 1992, hopes rose that the discovery not only would result in better treatments but also eventually a cure for the disease. Read More

June 2010
Potential treatments discussed at TREAT-NMD conference
Around 350 researchers, clinicians, representatives from industry and people affected by muscle disease from over 30 countries gathered on November 17-19, 2009, for the first international TREAT-NMD conference, entitled Bringing Down the Barriers in Translational Medicine in Inherited Neuromuscular Diseases.........Read more

January 2010
Investigating the role of muscle stem cells in Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
Does perturbed satellite cell function contribute to facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy? A study by Dr Peter Zammit at Kings Colledge London.(Courtesy of Muscular Dystrophy Campaign) Read more

December 20th 2009
Epidemiology and pathophysiology of falls in Facioscapulohumeral disease
Muscle weakness is a potentially important, yet poorly studied, risk factor for falls. Detailed studies of patients with specific myopathies may shed new light on the relation between muscle weakness and falls. Here falls in patients with facioscapulohumeral disease (FSHD) who suffered from lower limb muscle weakness were examined. This study provides insights into the prevalence, relevance and pathophysiology of falls in FSHD. Read more
Further information for patients is also available pdf

December 20th 2009
Effects of an antioxidant supplementation on oxidative stress and muscle dysfunction in FSH-MD patients
The purpose of this study was to gain futher insights into the specific targets of endogenously generated mitochondrial oxidative stress in the FSHD skeletal muscle
and to test whether or not an antioxidant supplementation has a therapeutic interest
for FSHD patients. Our results have important implications for the successful
implementation of rational antioxidant therapy in FSHD in which cell loss could be
linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Read more

December 2009
Latest from Target Research magazine
Contains news from the latest issue of Target Research magazine published by the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.(Courtesy of Muscular Dystrophy Campaign) Read more

November 19th 2009
Gene therapy may be used to treat muscular dystrophy
A gene therapy that increases the size and strength of muscle tissue could soon be used to treat neuromuscular disorders such as muscular dystrophy, according to scientists. In a study on monkeys, the treatment, which modifies the body’s natural regulation of muscle growth, was found to have long-lasting effects on muscle mass and tone. Read more

November 2009
Improving quality of life for people with muscle disease
Study into changing advrse beliefs in those with muscle disease, lead by Prof John Weinman at Kings College London.(Courtesy of Muscular Dystrophy Campaign) Read more

October 2009
Understanding the molecular causes of Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
Investigation of molecular mechanisms in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy lead by Prof. Jane Hewitt at the University of Nottingham. (Courtesy of Muscular Dystrophy Campaign) Read more

Autumn 2009
Chronic pain in people with FSH-MD
Recent preliminary research suggests that pain may be a significant problem for many persons with FSHD. For example, Bushby et al. recently reported on four individuals with FSHD who identified pain as their most disabling symptom Read more (courtesy of the FSH Society)

April 28th 2009
Researchers identify gene associated with muscular dystrophy related eye problems
Skeletal muscle disease and vision deficits might seem unrelated, but a frog model of muscular dystrophy shows it is not such a leap. Read more