As the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary at the 2025 Clinical & Scientific Conference in Dallas this March, the field stands at a historic inflection point. What began in 1950 with limited research and virtually no treatment options has evolved into a dynamic scientific landscape where halting—and potentially reversing—neuromuscular disease progression is becoming reality.
The three-day conference, running March 16-18, will highlight transformative advances in gene therapy, stem cell treatments, and regenerative medicine that are reshaping the future for patients with neuromuscular disorders.
From Disease Management to Regeneration
"We're really showcasing a lot of the work that MDA has done over the years that culminated in the place we are now with multiple drugs approved," explained Sharon Hesterlee, PhD, Chief Research Officer at MDA, who will present research updates following opening remarks by MDA President and CEO Donald S. Wood, PhD.
A recurring theme throughout the conference agenda is regeneration—the next logical step after recent breakthroughs that can slow or stop disease progression. "We're at a point where drugs have been approved and we are able to slow or stop some disease progression, especially in muscle disease. But really, you can't treat muscle that's not there," Hesterlee noted.
Dedicated sessions will explore muscle regeneration for muscular dystrophies and neural regeneration for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal cord injuries. These discussions represent a significant leap forward in treatment philosophy, moving beyond disease management toward tissue restoration.
Gene Therapy Takes Center Stage
The conference will feature extensive coverage of gene therapy advancements, with particular focus on real-world clinical experiences with approved therapies like Zolgensma (onasemnogene abeparvovec) for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and Elevidys (delandistrogene moxeparvovec-rokl) for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
"A lot of our clinicians will be talking about the lived experience of actually being able to administer those drugs, and what that experience has been like so far," Hesterlee said, anticipating high attendance for these sessions.
Former FDA director Robert Califf, MD, will deliver a keynote address addressing both the promise and challenges of these cutting-edge therapies. "The advancements in gene therapy, precision medicine, and patient-centered care represent a bright horizon," Califf stated in an MDA press release, "but much work remains to ensure equitable access to these groundbreaking therapies and a full understanding of the benefits and risks."
Expanding Treatment Horizons
The conference will showcase late-breaking research that could expand treatment options for previously excluded patient populations. One notable example includes data on intrathecal administration of disease-modifying gene therapy, which could benefit SMA patients diagnosed after the age cutoff for currently approved gene therapies.
Multiple specialized tracks will cover specific disorders including ALS, DMD, Pompe disease, myasthenia gravis, and SMA, while also exploring intersections with other medical specialties such as pulmonology and cardiology.
Real-World Evidence and Registry Data
A dedicated session will present findings from the MDA's MOVR clinical research registry, offering insights into how newly approved therapies are being utilized in clinical practice. "We're looking at a number of different use cases, using MOVR registry data and talking about what we've been able to learn. Particularly since we have so many drugs approved in the space, we'll be taking a look at how those different drugs are being used by the community," Hesterlee explained.
This real-world evidence complements the extensive lineup of novel and late-breaking research presentations scheduled throughout the conference, spanning from molecular-level interventions to system-level digital health technologies for tracking outcomes.
Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
With presentations covering over 300 neuromuscular diseases, the conference offers unique opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration that single-disease meetings cannot match.
"I hope they come away with new collaborative opportunities and 'cross-pollinate' between different areas, and a great appreciation for how much has been accomplished so far," Hesterlee said of attendees' expected takeaways.
Evening poster receptions and dedicated abstract presentation sessions will further facilitate knowledge exchange across the spectrum of neuromuscular research, from basic science to clinical application.
As the MDA marks 75 years of advocacy and research support, the 2025 conference represents both a celebration of remarkable progress and a launching point for the next generation of treatments aimed not just at managing neuromuscular diseases, but potentially reversing their effects.
