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McDonald CM, Signorovitch J, Mercuri E, Niks EH, Wong B, Fillbrunn M, Sajeev G, Yim E, Dieye I, Miller D, Ward SJ, Goemans N. Functional trajectories before and after loss of ambulation in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and implications for clinical trials. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304099. [PMID: 38829874 PMCID: PMC11146704 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
This study examined functional trajectories of subjects during the transition phase between ambulatory and non-ambulatory Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) to inform clinical trial designs for new therapeutics. Ambulatory, pulmonary, and upper limb function leading up to loss of ambulation (LoA) and non-ambulatory measures following LoA were quantified; time ordering of pulmonary and upper limb milestones relative to LoA were determined; and the 10-second time threshold for 10-meter walk/run (10MWR) as a marker of approaching LOA was explored. Included in this analysis were 51 subjects aged between 7 and 18 years who experienced LoA during follow-up in the PRO-DMD-01 natural history study. Mean age at LoA was 12.7 (7.1-18.6) years. Mean annual rates of decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) <80%-predicted and performance of upper limb (PUL) 1.2 total score were smaller before than after LoA, but not significantly (FVC %-predicted: 5.6% vs. 10.1%, p = 0.21; PUL 1.2 total score: 2.3 vs. 3.8 units, p = 0.20). More than half of patients experienced clinically significant deficits in FVC %-predicted and PUL 1.2 before experiencing LoA. Among subjects with baseline 10MWR >10 s, those with <1 year to LoA had similar mean ages but significantly worse mean ambulatory function at baseline compared to those with ≥1 year to LoA. Enriching DMD clinical trials for patients with declining pulmonary or upper limb function is achievable without restricting enrollment to non-ambulatory patients. The sequencing of LoA and initial deficits in pulmonary and upper limb function varied across patients and highlights the potential for composite outcomes or multi-outcome trial designs to assess disease-modifying therapies more comprehensively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig M. McDonald
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis Health System, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - James Signorovitch
- Analysis Group Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Collaborative Trajectory Analysis Project, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Eugenio Mercuri
- Child Neurology Unit e Centro Nemo, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Erik H. Niks
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Brenda Wong
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Mirko Fillbrunn
- Analysis Group Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Gautam Sajeev
- Analysis Group Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Erica Yim
- Analysis Group Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ibrahima Dieye
- Analysis Group Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Debra Miller
- CureDuchenne, Newport Beach, California, United States of America
| | - Susan J. Ward
- Collaborative Trajectory Analysis Project, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Schiava M, McDermott MP, Broomfield J, Abrams KR, Mayhew AG, McDonald CM, Martens WB, Gregory SJ, Griggs RC, Guglieri M. Factors Associated With Early Motor Function Trajectories in DMD After Glucocorticoid Initiation: Post Hoc Analysis of the FOR-DMD Trial. Neurology 2024; 102:e209206. [PMID: 38710006 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000209206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Clinical trials in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) require 3-6 months of stable glucocorticoids, and the primary outcome is explored at 48-52 weeks. The factors that influence the clinical outcome assessment (COA) trajectories soon after glucocorticoid initiation are relevant for the design and analysis of clinical trials of novel drugs. We describe early COA trajectories, associated factors, and the time from glucocorticoid initiation to COA peak. METHODS This was a prospective 18-month analysis of the Finding the Optimum Corticosteroid Regimen for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy study. Four COAs were investigated: rise from supine velocity (RFV), 10-meter walk/run velocity (10MWRV), North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA) total score, and 6-minute walk test distance (6MWT). The relationships of baseline age (4-5 vs 6-7 years), COA baseline performance, genotype, and glucocorticoid regimen (daily vs intermittent) with the COA trajectories were evaluated using linear mixed-effects models. RESULTS One hundred ninety-six glucocorticoid-naïve boys with DMD aged 4-7 years were enrolled. The mean age at baseline was 5.9 ± 1.0 years, 66% (n = 130) were on daily regimens, 55% (n = 107) showed a 6MWT distance >330 metres; 41% (n = 78) showed RFV >0.2 rise/s; 76% (n = 149) showed 10MWRV >0.142 10m/s, and 41.0% (n = 79) showed NSAA total score >22 points. Mean COA trajectories differed by age at glucocorticoid initiation (p < 0.01 for RFV, 10MWRV, and NSAA; p < 0.05 for 6MWT) and regimen (p < 0.01 for RFV, 10MWRV, and NSAA). Boys younger than 6 years reached their peak performance 12-18 months after glucocorticoid initiation. Boys aged 6 years or older on a daily regimen peaked between months 9 and 12 and those on an intermittent regimen by 9 months. The baseline COA performance was associated with the NSAA (p < 0.01) and the 6MWT trajectory in boys younger than 6 years on a daily regimen (p < 0.01). Differences in the mean trajectories by genotype were not significant. DISCUSSION Glucocorticoid regimen, age, duration of glucocorticoid exposure, and baseline COA performance need to be considered in the design and analysis of clinical trials in young boys with DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianela Schiava
- From the John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre (M.S., A.G.M., M.G.), Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, United Kingdom; Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology (M.P.M.); Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Centre, NY; Department of Health Sciences (J.B., K.R.A.), University of Leicester, United Kingdom; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (C.M.M.), University of California, Davis, Sacramento; and Department of Neurology (W.B.M., S.J.G., R.C.G.), University of Rochester Medical Centre, NY
| | - Michael P McDermott
- From the John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre (M.S., A.G.M., M.G.), Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, United Kingdom; Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology (M.P.M.); Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Centre, NY; Department of Health Sciences (J.B., K.R.A.), University of Leicester, United Kingdom; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (C.M.M.), University of California, Davis, Sacramento; and Department of Neurology (W.B.M., S.J.G., R.C.G.), University of Rochester Medical Centre, NY
| | - Jonathan Broomfield
- From the John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre (M.S., A.G.M., M.G.), Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, United Kingdom; Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology (M.P.M.); Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Centre, NY; Department of Health Sciences (J.B., K.R.A.), University of Leicester, United Kingdom; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (C.M.M.), University of California, Davis, Sacramento; and Department of Neurology (W.B.M., S.J.G., R.C.G.), University of Rochester Medical Centre, NY
| | - Keith R Abrams
- From the John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre (M.S., A.G.M., M.G.), Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, United Kingdom; Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology (M.P.M.); Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Centre, NY; Department of Health Sciences (J.B., K.R.A.), University of Leicester, United Kingdom; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (C.M.M.), University of California, Davis, Sacramento; and Department of Neurology (W.B.M., S.J.G., R.C.G.), University of Rochester Medical Centre, NY
| | - Anna G Mayhew
- From the John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre (M.S., A.G.M., M.G.), Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, United Kingdom; Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology (M.P.M.); Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Centre, NY; Department of Health Sciences (J.B., K.R.A.), University of Leicester, United Kingdom; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (C.M.M.), University of California, Davis, Sacramento; and Department of Neurology (W.B.M., S.J.G., R.C.G.), University of Rochester Medical Centre, NY
| | - Craig M McDonald
- From the John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre (M.S., A.G.M., M.G.), Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, United Kingdom; Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology (M.P.M.); Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Centre, NY; Department of Health Sciences (J.B., K.R.A.), University of Leicester, United Kingdom; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (C.M.M.), University of California, Davis, Sacramento; and Department of Neurology (W.B.M., S.J.G., R.C.G.), University of Rochester Medical Centre, NY
| | - William B Martens
- From the John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre (M.S., A.G.M., M.G.), Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, United Kingdom; Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology (M.P.M.); Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Centre, NY; Department of Health Sciences (J.B., K.R.A.), University of Leicester, United Kingdom; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (C.M.M.), University of California, Davis, Sacramento; and Department of Neurology (W.B.M., S.J.G., R.C.G.), University of Rochester Medical Centre, NY
| | - Stephanie J Gregory
- From the John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre (M.S., A.G.M., M.G.), Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, United Kingdom; Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology (M.P.M.); Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Centre, NY; Department of Health Sciences (J.B., K.R.A.), University of Leicester, United Kingdom; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (C.M.M.), University of California, Davis, Sacramento; and Department of Neurology (W.B.M., S.J.G., R.C.G.), University of Rochester Medical Centre, NY
| | - Robert C Griggs
- From the John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre (M.S., A.G.M., M.G.), Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, United Kingdom; Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology (M.P.M.); Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Centre, NY; Department of Health Sciences (J.B., K.R.A.), University of Leicester, United Kingdom; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (C.M.M.), University of California, Davis, Sacramento; and Department of Neurology (W.B.M., S.J.G., R.C.G.), University of Rochester Medical Centre, NY
| | - Michela Guglieri
- From the John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre (M.S., A.G.M., M.G.), Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, United Kingdom; Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology (M.P.M.); Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Centre, NY; Department of Health Sciences (J.B., K.R.A.), University of Leicester, United Kingdom; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (C.M.M.), University of California, Davis, Sacramento; and Department of Neurology (W.B.M., S.J.G., R.C.G.), University of Rochester Medical Centre, NY
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Hart CC, Lee YI, Xie J, Gao G, Lin BL, Hammers DW, Sweeney HL. Potential limitations of microdystrophin gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e165869. [PMID: 38713520 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.165869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Clinical trials delivering high doses of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) expressing truncated dystrophin molecules (microdystrophins) are underway for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). We examined the efficiency and efficacy of this strategy with 4 microdystrophin constructs (3 in clinical trials and a variant of the largest clinical construct), in a severe mouse model of DMD, using AAV doses comparable with those in clinical trials. We achieved high levels of microdystrophin expression in striated muscles with cardiac expression approximately 10-fold higher than that observed in skeletal muscle. Significant, albeit incomplete, correction of skeletal muscle disease was observed. Surprisingly, a lethal acceleration of cardiac disease occurred with 2 of the microdystrophins. The detrimental cardiac effect appears to be caused by variable competition (dependent on microdystrophin design and expression level) between microdystrophin and utrophin at the cardiomyocyte membrane. There may also be a contribution from an overloading of protein degradation. The significance of these observations for patients currently being treated with AAV-microdystrophin therapies is unclear since the levels of expression being achieved in the DMD hearts are unknown. However, these findings suggest that microdystrophin treatments need to avoid excessively high levels of expression in the heart and that cardiac function should be carefully monitored in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cora C Hart
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics and
- Myology Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Young Il Lee
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics and
- Myology Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Jun Xie
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worchester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worchester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brian L Lin
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy & Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - David W Hammers
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics and
- Myology Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - H Lee Sweeney
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics and
- Myology Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Croft LV, Fisher M, Barbhuiya TK, El-Kamand S, Beard S, Rajapakse A, Gamsjaeger R, Cubeddu L, Bolderson E, O'Byrne K, Richard D, Gandhi NS. Sequence- and Structure-Dependent Cytotoxicity of Phosphorothioate and 2'- O-Methyl Modified Single-Stranded Oligonucleotides. Nucleic Acid Ther 2024; 34:143-155. [PMID: 38648015 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2023.0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Single-stranded oligonucleotides (SSOs) are a rapidly expanding class of therapeutics that comprises antisense oligonucleotides, microRNAs, and aptamers, with ten clinically approved molecules. Chemical modifications such as the phosphorothioate backbone and the 2'-O-methyl ribose can improve the stability and pharmacokinetic properties of therapeutic SSOs, but they can also lead to toxicity in vitro and in vivo through nonspecific interactions with cellular proteins, gene expression changes, disturbed RNA processing, and changes in nuclear structures and protein distribution. In this study, we screened a mini library of 277 phosphorothioate and 2'-O-methyl-modified SSOs, with or without mRNA complementarity, for cytotoxic properties in two cancer cell lines. Using circular dichroism, nucleic magnetic resonance, and molecular dynamics simulations, we show that phosphorothioate- and 2'-O-methyl-modified SSOs that form stable hairpin structures through Watson-Crick base pairing are more likely to be cytotoxic than those that exist in an extended conformation. In addition, moderate and highly cytotoxic SSOs in our dataset have a higher mean purine composition than pyrimidine. Overall, our study demonstrates a structure-cytotoxicity relationship and indicates that the formation of stable hairpins should be a consideration when designing SSOs toward optimal therapeutic profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura V Croft
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Cancer and Ageing Research Program at Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mark Fisher
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Cancer and Ageing Research Program at Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Tabassum Khair Barbhuiya
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Serene El-Kamand
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
| | - Samuel Beard
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Cancer and Ageing Research Program at Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Aleksandra Rajapakse
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Cancer and Ageing Research Program at Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Liza Cubeddu
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
| | - Emma Bolderson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Cancer and Ageing Research Program at Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ken O'Byrne
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Cancer and Ageing Research Program at Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Australia
| | - Derek Richard
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Cancer and Ageing Research Program at Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Neha S Gandhi
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Cancer and Ageing Research Program at Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Karnataka, India
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Tang A, Yokota T. Duchenne muscular dystrophy: promising early-stage clinical trials to watch. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024; 33:201-217. [PMID: 38291016 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2313105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Current therapies are unable to cure Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a severe and common form of muscular dystrophy, and instead aim to delay disease progression. Several treatments currently in phase I trials could increase the number of therapeutic options available to patients. AREAS COVERED This review aims to provide an overview of current treatments undergoing or having recently undergone early-stage trials. Several exon-skipping and gene therapy approaches are currently being investigated at the clinical stage to address an unmet need for DMD treatments. This article also covers Phase I trials from the last 5 years that involve inhibitors, small molecules, a purified synthetic flavanol, a cell-based therapy, and repurposed cardiac or tumor medications. EXPERT OPINION With antisense oligonucleotide (AON) treatments making up the majority of conditionally approved DMD therapies, most of the clinical trials occurring within the last 5 years have also evaluated exon-skipping AONs. The approval of Elevidys, a micro-dystrophin therapy, is reflected in a recent trend toward gene transfer therapies in phase I DMD clinical trials, but their safety and efficacy are being established in this phase of development. Other Phase I clinical-stage approaches are diverse, but have a range in efficacy, safety, and endpoint measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Tang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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McDonald C, Camino E, Escandon R, Finkel RS, Fischer R, Flanigan K, Furlong P, Juhasz R, Martin AS, Villa C, Sweeney HL. Draft Guidance for Industry Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Becker Muscular Dystrophy, and Related Dystrophinopathies - Developing Potential Treatments for the Entire Spectrum of Disease. J Neuromuscul Dis 2024; 11:499-523. [PMID: 38363616 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-230219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and related dystrophinopathies are neuromuscular conditions with great unmet medical needs that require the development of effective medical treatments. Objective To aid sponsors in clinical development of drugs and therapeutic biological products for treating DMD across the disease spectrum by integrating advancements, patient registries, natural history studies, and more into a comprehensive guidance. Methods This guidance emerged from collaboration between the FDA, the Duchenne community, and industry stakeholders. It entailed a structured approach, involving multiple committees and boards. From its inception in 2014, the guidance underwent revisions incorporating insights from gene therapy studies, cardiac function research, and innovative clinical trial designs. Results The guidance provides a deeper understanding of DMD and its variants, focusing on patient engagement, diagnostic criteria, natural history, biomarkers, and clinical trials. It underscores patient-focused drug development, the significance of dystrophin as a biomarker, and the pivotal role of magnetic resonance imaging in assessing disease progression. Additionally, the guidance addresses cardiomyopathy's prominence in DMD and the burgeoning field of gene therapy. Conclusions The updated guidance offers a comprehensive understanding of DMD, emphasizing patient-centric approaches, innovative trial designs, and the importance of biomarkers. The focus on cardiomyopathy and gene therapy signifies the evolving realm of DMD research. It acts as a crucial roadmap for sponsors, potentially leading to improved treatments for DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric Camino
- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rafael Escandon
- DGBI Consulting, LLC, Bainbridge Island, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Ryan Fischer
- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kevin Flanigan
- Center for Experimental Neurotherapeutics, Department of Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Pat Furlong
- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rose Juhasz
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ann S Martin
- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Chet Villa
- Trinity Health Michigan, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - H Lee Sweeney
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center within the UC Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Rabbia M, Guridi Ormazabal M, Staunton H, Veenstra K, Eggenspieler D, Annoussamy M, Servais L, Strijbos P. Stride Velocity 95th Centile Detects Decline in Ambulatory Function Over Shorter Intervals than the 6-Minute Walk Test or North Star Ambulatory Assessment in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. J Neuromuscul Dis 2024; 11:701-714. [PMID: 38640165 PMCID: PMC11091611 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-230188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Background Stride Velocity 95th Centile (SV95C) is the first wearable device-derived clinical outcome assessment (COA) to receive European Medicines Agency (EMA) qualification as a primary endpoint in ambulant patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) aged ≥4 years. Objective To compare SV95C-in its first-ever clinical trial application as a secondary endpoint-with established motor function COAs used in the trial (Four-Stair Climb [4SC] velocity, North Star Ambulatory Assessment [NSAA], and Six-Minute Walk Distance [6MWD]). Methods SV95C was a secondary endpoint in a subset (n = 47) of participants in the SPITFIRE/WN40227 trial of taldefgrobep alfa, which was discontinued due to lack of clinical benefit. Participants in the ≤48-week SV95C sub-study were 6-11 years old and received corticosteroids for ≥6 months pre-treatment. Pearson correlations were used to compare SV95C with the other COAs. Responsiveness and changes over time were respectively assessed via standardized response means (SRMs) based on absolute changes and mixed models for repeated measures. Results SV95C change at Week 24 was -0.07 m/s, with limited variability (standard deviation: 0.16, n = 27). The SRM for SV95C indicated moderate responsiveness to clinical change at the earliest timepoint (Week 12, n = 46), while those of the other COAs did not indicate moderate responsiveness until Week 36 (6MWD, n = 33) or Week 48 (4SC velocity, n = 20; NSAA total score, n = 20). Baseline correlations between SV95C and other COAs were strong (r = 0.611-0.695). Correlations between SV95C change from baseline to Week 48 and changes in other COAs were moderate to strong (r = 0.443-0.678).∥. Conclusions Overall, SV95C demonstrated sensitivity to ambulatory decline over short intervals, low variability, and correlation with established COAs. Although the negative trial precluded demonstration of SV95C's sensitivity to drug effect, these findings support the continued use of SV95C in DMD clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hannah Staunton
- Roche Products Ltd, Hexagon Place, Shire Park, 6 Falcon Way, Welwyn Garden City, UK
| | - Klaas Veenstra
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Laurent Servais
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre and NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology, Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires, University Hospital Liège and University of Liège, Avenue de l’Hôpital 1, Liege, Belgium
| | - Paul Strijbos
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, Basel, Switzerland
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Thangarajh M, McDermott MP, Guglieri M, Griggs RC. Association between neurodevelopmental impairments and motor function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2023; 10:2285-2296. [PMID: 37804000 PMCID: PMC10723228 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We explored various prognostic factors of motor outcomes in corticosteroid-naive boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). METHODS The associations between parent-reported neurodevelopmental concerns (speech delay, speech and language difficulties (SLD), and learning difficulties), DMD mutation location, and motor outcomes (6-minute walk distance (6MWD), North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA) total score, 10-meter walk/run velocity, and rise from floor velocity) were studied in 196 corticosteroid-naive boys from ages 4 to less than 8 years. RESULTS Participants with SLD walked 25.8 fewer meters in 6 minutes than those without SLD (p = 0.005) but did not demonstrate statistical differences in NSAA total score, 10-meter walk/run velocity, and rise from floor velocity. Participants with distal DMD mutations with learning difficulties walked 51.8 fewer meters in 6 minutes than those without learning difficulties (p = 0.0007). Participants with distal DMD mutations were slower on 10-meter walk/run velocity, and rise from floor velocity (p = 0.02) than those with proximal DMD mutations. Participants with distal DMD mutations, who reported speech delay or learning difficulties, were slower on rise from floor velocity (p = 0.04, p = 0.01) than those with proximal DMD mutations. The mean NSAA total score was lower in participants with learning difficulties than in those without (p = 0.004). INTERPRETATION Corticosteroid-naive boys with DMD with distal DMD mutations may perform worse on some timed function tests, and that those with learning difficulties may perform worse on the NSAA. Pending confirmatory studies, our data underscore the importance of considering co-existing neurodevelopmental symptoms on motor outcome measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathula Thangarajh
- Department of NeurologyVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVirginiaUSA
| | - Michael P. McDermott
- University of Rochester Medical CenterSchool of Medicine and DentistryRochesterNew YorkUSA
| | - Michela Guglieri
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research CentreNewcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals National Health Service Foundation TrustNewcastleUK
| | - Robert C. Griggs
- University of Rochester Medical CenterSchool of Medicine and DentistryRochesterNew YorkUSA
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Roberts TC, Wood MJA, Davies KE. Therapeutic approaches for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:917-934. [PMID: 37652974 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00775-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a monogenic muscle-wasting disorder and a priority candidate for molecular and cellular therapeutics. Although rare, it is the most common inherited myopathy affecting children and so has been the focus of intense research activity. It is caused by mutations that disrupt production of the dystrophin protein, and a plethora of drug development approaches are under way that aim to restore dystrophin function, including exon skipping, stop codon readthrough, gene replacement, cell therapy and gene editing. These efforts have led to the clinical approval of four exon skipping antisense oligonucleotides, one stop codon readthrough drug and one gene therapy product, with other approvals likely soon. Here, we discuss the latest therapeutic strategies that are under development and being deployed to treat DMD. Lessons from these drug development programmes are likely to have a major impact on the DMD field, but also on molecular and cellular medicine more generally. Thus, DMD is a pioneer disease at the forefront of future drug discovery efforts, with these experimental treatments paving the way for therapies using similar mechanisms of action being developed for other genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Roberts
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Oxford, UK.
| | - Matthew J A Wood
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Kay E Davies
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Oxford, UK.
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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10
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Naarding KJ, Stimpson G, Ward SJ, Goemans N, McDonald C, Mercuri E, Muntoni F. 269th ENMC international workshop: 10 years of clinical trials in Duchenne muscular dystrophy - What have we learned? 9-11 December 2022, Hoofddorp, The Netherlands. Neuromuscul Disord 2023; 33:897-910. [PMID: 37926638 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2023.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
There are multiple avenues for therapeutic development in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), which are highlighted in the first section of this report for the "10 years of Clinical trials in DMD - What have we learned?" workshop. This report then provides an overview of the presentations made at the workshop grouped into the following core themes: trial outcomes, disease heterogeneity, meaningfulness of outcomes and the utility of real-world data in trials. Finally, we present the consensus that was achieved at the workshop on the learning points from 10 years of clinical trials in DMD, and possible action points from these. This includes further work in expanding the scope and range of trial outcomes and assessing the efficacy of new trial structures for DMD. We also highlight several points which should be addressed during future interactions with regulators, such as clinical meaningfulness and the use of real-world data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin J Naarding
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Duchenne Center Netherlands, the Netherlands
| | - Georgia Stimpson
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, London, UK
| | - Susan J Ward
- Collaborative Trajectory Analysis Project (cTAP), United States
| | - Nathalie Goemans
- University Hospitals Leuven, Dept of Child Neurology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Craig McDonald
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Sacramento, University of California, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Eugenio Mercuri
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Catholic University, Rome, Italy; Centro Clinico Nemo, U.O.C. Neuropsichiatria Infantile Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK.
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11
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Servais L. Tamoxifen in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Lancet Neurol 2023; 22:872-873. [PMID: 37739562 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(23)00288-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Servais
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre and NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Division of Child Neurology, Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Liège and University of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium.
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12
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Guo Z, Geng M, Huang Y, Han G, Jing R, Lin C, Zhang X, Zhang M, Fan G, Wang F, Yin H. Upregulation of Wilms' Tumor 1 in epicardial cells increases cardiac fibrosis in dystrophic mice. Cell Death Differ 2022; 29:1928-1940. [PMID: 35306537 PMCID: PMC9525265 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-022-00979-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiomyopathy is a primary cause of mortality in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients. Mechanistic understanding of cardiac fibrosis holds the key to effective DMD cardiomyopathy treatments. Here we demonstrate that upregulation of Wilms' tumor 1 (Wt1) gene in epicardial cells increased cardiac fibrosis and impaired cardiac function in 8-month old mdx mice lacking the RNA component of telomerase (mdx/mTR-/-). Levels of phosphorylated IƙBα and p65 significantly rose in mdx/mTR-/- dystrophic hearts and Wt1 expression declined in the epicardium of mdx/mTR-/- mice when nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and inflammation were inhibited by metformin. This demonstrates that Wt1 expression in epicardial cells is dependent on inflammation-triggered NF-κB activation. Metformin effectively prevented cardiac fibrosis and improved cardiac function in mdx/mTR-/- mice. Our study demonstrates that upregulation of Wt1 in epicardial cells contributes to fibrosis in dystrophic hearts and metformin-mediated inhibition of NF-κB can ameliorate the pathology, and thus showing clinical potential for dystrophic cardiomyopathy. Translational Perspective: Cardiomyopathy is a major cause of mortality in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients. Promising exon-skipping treatments are moving to the clinic, but getting sufficient dystrophin expression in the heart has proven challenging. The present study shows that Wilms' Tumor 1 (Wt1) upregulation in epicardial cells is primarily responsible for cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction of dystrophic mice and likely of DMD patients. Metformin effectively prevents cardiac fibrosis and improves cardiac function in dystrophic mice, thus representing a treatment option for DMD patients on top of existing therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenglong Guo
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics & Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular Homeostasis and Human Diseases & School of Medical Technology & Department of Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University, Guangdong Road, Tianjin, 300203, China
- Medical Genetic Institute of Henan Province, Henan Provincial Key laboratory of Genetic Diseases and Functional Genomics, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Prevention, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Mengyuan Geng
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics & Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular Homeostasis and Human Diseases & School of Medical Technology & Department of Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University, Guangdong Road, Tianjin, 300203, China
| | - Yuting Huang
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changling Road, Xiqing District, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Gang Han
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics & Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular Homeostasis and Human Diseases & School of Medical Technology & Department of Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University, Guangdong Road, Tianjin, 300203, China
| | - Renwei Jing
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics & Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular Homeostasis and Human Diseases & School of Medical Technology & Department of Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University, Guangdong Road, Tianjin, 300203, China
| | - Caorui Lin
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics & Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular Homeostasis and Human Diseases & School of Medical Technology & Department of Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University, Guangdong Road, Tianjin, 300203, China
| | - Xiaoning Zhang
- Department of Genetics, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Miaomiao Zhang
- Department of Genetics, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Guanwei Fan
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changling Road, Xiqing District, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Genetics, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - HaiFang Yin
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics & Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular Homeostasis and Human Diseases & School of Medical Technology & Department of Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University, Guangdong Road, Tianjin, 300203, China.
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China.
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Ferrer-Mallol E, Matthews C, Stoodley M, Gaeta A, George E, Reuben E, Johnson A, Davies EH. Patient-led development of digital endpoints and the use of computer vision analysis in assessment of motor function in rare diseases. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:916714. [PMID: 36172196 PMCID: PMC9510779 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.916714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Digital health technologies are transforming the way health outcomes are captured and measured. Digital biomarkers may provide more objective measurements than traditional approaches as they encompass continuous and longitudinal data collection and use of automated analysis for data interpretation. In addition, the use of digital health technology allows for home-based disease assessments, which in addition to reducing patient burden from on-site hospital visits, provides a more holistic picture of how the patient feels and functions in the real world. Tools that can robustly capture drug efficacy based on disease-specific outcomes that are meaningful to patients, are going to be key to the successful development of new treatments. This is particularly important for people living with rare and chronic complex conditions, where therapeutic options are limited and need to be developed using a patient-focused approach to achieve the biggest impact. Working in partnership with patient Organisation Duchenne UK, we co-developed a video-based approach, delivered through a new mobile health platform (DMD Home), to assess motor function in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a genetic, rare, muscular disease characterized by the progressive loss of muscle function and strength. Motor function tasks were selected to reflect the “transfer stage” of the disease, when patients are no longer able to walk independently but can stand and weight-bear to transfer. This stage is important for patients and families as it represents a significant milestone in the progression of DMD but it is not routinely captured and/or scored by standard DMD clinical and physiotherapy assessments. A total of 62 videos were submitted by eight out of eleven participants who onboarded the app and were analysed with pose estimation software (OpenPose) that led to the extraction of objective, quantitative measures, including time, pattern of movement trajectory, and smoothness and symmetry of movement. Computer vision analysis of video tasks to identify voluntary or compensatory movements within the transfer stage merits further investigation. Longitudinal studies to validate DMD home as a new methodology to predict progression to the non-ambulant stage will be pursued.
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Hart CC, Lee YI, Hammers DW, Sweeney HL. Evaluation of the DBA/2J mouse as a potential background strain for genetic models of cardiomyopathy. JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR CARDIOLOGY PLUS 2022; 1:100012. [PMID: 37206988 PMCID: PMC10195103 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmccpl.2022.100012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The potential use of the D2.mdx mouse (the mdx mutation on the DBA/2J genetic background) as a preclinical model of the cardiac aspects of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) has been criticized based on speculation that the DBA/2J genetic background displays an inherent hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) phenotype. Accordingly, the goal of the current study was to further examine the cardiac status of this mouse strain over a 12-month period to determine if observable signs of HCM develop, including histopathology and pathological enlargement of the myocardium. Previous reports have documented heightened TGFβ signaling in the DBA2/J striated muscles, as compared to the C57 background, which, as expected, is manifested as increased cardiomyocyte size, wall thickness, and heart mass as compared to the C57 background. While normalized heart mass is larger in the DBA/2J mice, compared to age-matched C57/BL10 mice, both strains similarly increase in size from 4 to 12 months of age. We also report that DBA/2J mice contain equivalent amounts of left ventricular collagen as healthy canine and human samples. In a longitudinal echocardiography study, neither sedentary nor exercised DBA/2J mice demonstrated left ventricular wall thickening or cardiac functional deficits. In summary, we find no evidence of HCM, nor any other cardiac pathology, and thus propose that it is an appropriate background strain for genetic modeling of cardiac diseases, including the cardiomyopathy associated with DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - H. Lee Sweeney
- Corresponding author at: 1200 Newell, Dr. ARB R5-216, Gainesville, FL 32610-0267, United States of America. (H.L. Sweeney)
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15
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Emerging therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Lancet Neurol 2022; 21:814-829. [DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(22)00125-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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