Media Contact
ImagingNMD, Claudia Senesac, imagingnmd@phhp.ufl.edu
For Immediate Release
ImagingNMD had the opportunity to attend the Expert Becker Muscular Dystrophy Masterclass conference hosted by TREAT-NMD in early December. Claudia Senesac, iNMD’s project manager, traveled to Spain to represent iNMD at the conference. We are grateful for the opportunity to have attended this masterclass and are proud to be a part of a larger community of experts and researchers looking to better the lives of those with Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD).
TREAT-NMD Expert Becker Muscular Dystrophy Masterclass Overview
From December 7 – December 8, 2023, TREAT-NMD held an in-person masterclass for leading Becker muscular dystrophy experts in Barcelona, Spain. This masterclass provided information on the treatment and best practices for patients with BMD. Sessions went over several topics, including:
- Becker diagnosis
- Genetics
- How nutrition can affect Becker
- Endocrine impacts
- Cardiac health
- Respiratory effects
- Rehabilitation outcomes
- Neurocognition considerations
- The patient/parent perspective (such as views on current and emerging therapies)
BMD experts came from around the world to learn and grow at this masterclass—countries represented by the speakers included Denmark, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy. The course provided participants with valuable time to share ideas, challenges, and successes in delivering optimal care for patients with BMD.
ImagingNMD’s Involvement through Claudia Senesac
Since iNMD’s inception, Claudia Senesac has been on the frontlines of communication and awareness efforts on behalf of our research. ImagingNMD works with study participants through the University of Florida’s research facilities to test the effectiveness of using MRI/MRS to measure muscle health in men with Becker muscular dystrophy. Claudia attended as a representative for iNMD’s Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Biomarkers for Muscular Dystrophy study.
Claudia found worldwide enthusiasm for research surrounding the treatment and intervention of BMD. At the masterclass, she was able to connect with other experts around the world who shared the same vision of bettering the lives of patients with Becker. She found the sessions at the conference to be stimulating and engaging, providing valuable insight into the most up-to-date information on BMD research.
By attending TREAT-NMD’s masterclass, Claudia was encouraged to see how much impact iNMD’s study could have on the future of BMD research and intervention methods. “ImagingNMD is contributing to research by mapping out the natural history and progression of Becker MD through magnetic resonance imaging and functional measures,” Claudia explained, “MR imaging techniques are an objective and reliable outcome measure to monitor disease progression and help inform, design, and conduct better clinical trials.”
Learn More About Our Dedicated Team
At ImagingNMD, we have a team of researchers dedicated to improving the tracking of Becker progression through the noninvasive tool of magnetic resonance imaging. Spearheaded by our study Spearheaded by our study director and co-director Dr. Krista Vandenborne and Dr. Lee Sweeney of the University of Florida, we conduct research and studies to help better the quality of life for men with Becker. Learn more about our team and our work by filling out our contact form.
