Myotonic Dystrophy Briefing Features Katz

NIAMS director Dr. Stephen Katz (c) joins fellow speakers on Capitol Hill—Maj. Mark Sullivan (l) and David Gillies.

Photo: Colleen Dundas

NIAMS director Dr. Stephen Katz recently presented on Capitol Hill at the invitation of the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation. Myotonic dystrophy is a genetic muscle disorder that affects many parts of the body and currently has no cure.

Katz joined fellow speakers David Gillies of the Senate appropriations committee and Maj. Mark Sullivan (U.S. Air Force, ret.) in discussing the importance of research and collaboration to improve myotonic dystrophy understanding and patient care.

Katz gave an overview of current myotonic dystrophy-related research funded by NIH and described recent advances made in explaining this condition.

Gillies summarized the Department of Defense’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program, its history, contributions and current outlook.

Finally, Sullivan gave a compelling personal account of his stepbrother’s experience living with myotonic dystrophy while serving in the military.