Myotonic Dystrophy: Study & Trial Resource Center
Our community is involved in the first clinical trial of a targeted therapy for myotonic dystrophy, and a number of other critical studies are underway. Click on the links below and to the right to learn more about the clinical trials process, important do's and don'ts for current trial participants, and more. A list of current studies and trials can be accessed below.
Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation community members have been active partners in bringing the research to this point, by supporting and participating in studies, joining registries, responding to surveys, and funding patient advocacy organizations like the MDF. The progress achieved would not be possible without the commitment and participation of people living with DM, their families, caregivers and friends.
Questions?
If you don’t see answers to your specific questions here, please send MDF an email. Keep in mind that some of your questions may not be answerable right now, either because the information is proprietary, could impact the success of trials if released, or isn’t known yet.
What are clinical trials?
Clinical trials are studies conducted using human participants to assess the safety and activity of new therapies in development. Clinical trials produce a lot of interest and excitement. It is important to realize, however, that just because an investigational compound is “tailor made” doesn’t mean that it will be safe or even effective; the purpose of a clinical trial is to find that out. This trial is an important first step, and all of us are interested in having it go well. Even if this medication does not work, we will learn as much as possible to guide the development of newer and better treatments in the future.
Current trial participants should view our short Clinical Trials Training Video to familiarize yourself with the clinical trials process and important do's and don'ts, such as what content is appropriate to share publicly.
The Christopher Project Report: Report to the Myotonic Dystrophy Community: In order to better understand their needs, the Christopher Project asked patients with myotonic dystrophy and their family members/caregivers to report directly on their own experiences, from their own perspective, as experts in their own right. This report complements existing research and offers important, new insight into the myotonic dystrophy experience.