Dr. Voermans secures funding for extension of LAMA2-CMD natural history study
In 2022, Dr. Nicol Voermans and her team at Radboud UMC, Netherlands, launched the LASTSTRONG natural history study. With new support from Prinses Beatrix Spier Fonds, Stichting Voor Sara, and CureCMD foundations, the study will now extend from 2023 to 2025.
The initial 1.5-year long natural history study focused on LAMA2-CMD by gathering data from 27 afffected individuals aged 3 to 50. Its goal was to understand how the disease progresses and to identify key measurements for future clinical trials. Preliminary results, published in 2023, provided valuable insights into the condition.
Thanks to the new funding, the LASTSTRONG Study will dive deeper. Researchers will analyze follow-up data and examine additional skin and muscle biopsies. This work aims to enhance clinical care and aid in designing future clinical trials.
Why Natural History Studies Matter?
A natural history study tracks the progression of a disease over time without intervention, offering a comprehensive view of how the condition develops and changes. This understanding is crucial for developing effective treatments and improving patient care. By documenting the natural course of LAMA2-CMD, this study will enhance patient care, support targeted treatment development, and provide the foundation for future clinical trials.
