Solve FSHD Contributes $1 Million in Funding to n-Lorem for FSHD2 Collaboration

The Vancouver-based venture philanthropy Solve FSHD has provided $1 million to the nonprofit foundation n-Lorem to support its efforts to understand the complex molecular cause of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy-2.

The organization said the research will be critical to identifying a strategy for treatment for FSHD2 patients. The funding will also support the expansion of n-Lorem’s research and discovery efforts, significantly enhancing the capabilities of the foundation.

“Not only do we hope to better understand FSHD2, but we hope to identify a path forward for a therapeutic strategy for these patients,” said Stanley Crooke, founder, CEO and Chairman of n-Lorem Foundation. “Additionally, as we invest in expanding our research capabilities, we enhance the efficiency and capacity of our drug discovery and development programs, which will benefit all of our patients today and in the future.”

FSHD2 is a form of muscular dystrophy that affects approximately five percent of FSHD patients. FSHD2 has been linked to mutations on a gene called SMCHD1, but other FSHD2 genes have been identified and approximately two percent of FSHD cases have an unknown genetic cause. The molecular complexity of FSHD2 makes the development of an effective treatment extremely challenging. 

“Until the molecular cause of FSHD2 is better understood, progress on a potential therapeutic is greatly disadvantaged. n-Lorem is the only non-profit with access to three decades of learning in the RNA-targeted therapeutic space and the scientific team to aggressively pursue this complex disease,” said Eva Chin, executive director of Solve FSHD.

Author: Rare Daily Staff