McGill University

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder causing progressive muscle degeneration due to dystrophin deficiency. K884, a novel compound, shows promise in enhancing muscle stem cell function, potentially improving DMD treatment.

McGill researchers found K884, an experimental drug, enhances muscle stem cell repair in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), promoting functional muscle development regardless of mutation, potentially improving muscle function and quality of life for all DMD patients.

CHEO and SHC Canada's joint fellowship in pediatric metabolic and genetic bone disorders aims to enhance care and research for children with rare bone diseases, allowing them to see a single expert. The two-year program, funded by Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada, will train physicians in both endocrinology and genetics, benefiting numerous families.

Takeda Canada co-sponsored C$1m CIRC PIONEER Grant, contributing C$500,000 to support high-quality IBD clinical research. Dr. Kevan Jacobson and Dr. Genelle Lunken received the grant for their dietary intervention study in pediatric Crohn's disease patients. CIRC currently runs nine multi-centre trials, including four randomised controlled trials.

A ketogenic diet enhanced the effectiveness of targeted cancer therapy in suppressing tumor growth in mice, suggesting personalized drug-diet combinations as potential cancer therapies.

A Canadian study found that a school program allowing 10- to 12-year-olds to spend two hours weekly in nature improved mental well-being, particularly for kids with higher mental health vulnerabilities. Published in JAMA Network Open, the study involved Quebec kids in grades 5 and 6, who engaged in regular schoolwork and mental health activities outdoors. Teachers noted significant behavioral improvements in children with anxiety, depression, aggressivity, impulsivity, and social issues.

World War II sugar rationing in the UK led to lifelong health benefits for children, showing up to 35% lower risk of type 2 diabetes and 20% lower risk of high blood pressure. This natural experiment highlights the long-term effects of early-life sugar exposure on health.

A study by Northwestern University predicts chronic pain from whiplash based on brain region interaction and anxiety levels. The hippocampus-cortex communication and high anxiety post-injury increase chronic pain risk. Early intervention targeting anxiety and hippocampal activity may prevent chronic pain.

Four leading cancer research organizations in the U.S. and Canada open patient enrollment for myeloMATCH, a precision medicine clinical trial portfolio for AML and MDS. The trials, led by the NCI's NCTN, aim to accelerate precision medicine in myeloid malignancies and develop new therapies. myeloMATCH offers advanced biomarker testing at no cost, with results returned within three days, and is structured into four tiers based on the patient's treatment stage.

Four leading cancer research organizations in the U.S. and Canada open patient enrollment for myeloMATCH, a precision medicine clinical trial portfolio for adults with AML or MDS. The trials, designed by the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology, Canadian Cancer Trials Group, ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group, and SWOG Cancer Research Network, aim to accelerate precision medicine in myeloid malignancies and develop new therapies. Three treatment trials are now open, with more in development, and researchers hope to enroll 5,000 or more patients. myeloMATCH offers advanced biomarker testing at no cost, with results returned within three days, and structured into four tiers based on the patient's treatment journey.