February 28, 2026, Worldwide – In recognition of Rare Disease Day 2026, the Global Alliance for Myotonic Dystrophy Awareness proudly stands together as over 60 organizations worldwide raising awareness of myotonic dystrophy (DM) and advocating for improved care, research, and access for individuals and families affected by this complex rare disease.

Federal funding cuts and disruptions in 2025 impacted progress in myotonic dystrophy research. Now, MDF is urging Congress to support $10 million in new, dedicated DM research funding within the CDMRP as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Department of Defense spending bill.

Meet one of our 2026 Early Career Grant Recipients, Curtis Nutter, PhD! Dr. Cutter is an Assistant Professor in Biochemistry at the University of Missouri School of Medicine, leading an independent research program on RNA biology, neurological disorders, and DM1. His lab, part of the NextGen Precision Health Initiative, promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and engages the DM1 community.

Meet one of our 2026 Early Career Grant Recipients, Katarzyna Taylor, PhD! Dr. Taylor’s research over the past decade focuses on the pathomechanisms of DM1, therapeutic development, and MBNL-regulated physiological processes.