A researcher working on treatments and therapies for patients with a devastating degenerative condition has received backing from a prestigious charitable organisation. 

Cure SMA, a prominent leader in the world of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), have awarded Keele’s Dr Melissa Bowerman $150,000 for her research into SMA, which aims to improve our understanding of the condition to pave the way for new treatments. 

SMA is an inherited genetic condition that makes the muscles weaker and causes problems with movement. Despite tremendous medical advancements in the past decade, there is currently no cure, but researchers, including Dr Bowerman, are working to find new therapies and treatments that can help patients manage the condition. 

Dr Bowerman's research will be aimed at providing a better understanding of the role of skeletal muscle in the metabolic defects that occur in SMA.  

Dr Bowerman, a Senior Lecturer in Neuromuscular and Skeletal Disorders in Keele’s School of Medicine, said: “We are very excited to start this project. We know that there are metabolism issues in SMA, but we don’t understand if they are directly caused by the muscle loss that occurs in the condition. This is what we hope to answer. We are extremely grateful to Cure SMA for funding our research.” 

Cure SMA is a leading organisation in the USA that provides practical support programs for the SMA community and advocates for their needs. They also fund and direct comprehensive research that drives breakthroughs in treatment and advances access to high quality care.