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Gene Therapy May Be Used to Treat Muscular Dystrophy
from the Times (London)
A gene therapy that increases the size and strength of muscle tissue could soon be used to treat neuromuscular disorders such as muscular dystrophy, according to scientists.
In a study on monkeys, the treatment, which modifies the body's natural regulation of muscle growth, was found to have long-lasting effects on muscle mass and tone. The treatment produced no obvious negative side-effects and clinical trials are expected to start next year.
If similar results are seen in human trials, the technique could transform treatments for a range of muscle-wasting diseases. "If we can improve the strength of muscles we can make a difference to the lives of these patients," said Professor Jerry Mendell, a specialist in muscle disease at Ohio State University and a co-author on the study.
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