FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ON April 30, 2014

New York Researcher Receives $240,000 for Myasthenia Gravis Research

Funded by American Brain Foundation and Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America

PHILADELPHIA -

A New York researcher will receive $240,000 to continue his research into myasthenia gravis— a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by varying degrees of weakness—through the Clinician-Scientist Development Award in Myasthenia Gravis and Related Disorders of the Neuromuscular Junction funded by the and . The award was presented in Philadelphia during the ��ɫ����’s 66th Annual Meeting, the world’s largest meeting of neurologists. Ricardo Horacio Roda, MD, PhD, an assistant professor in the Department of Neurology at the New York University Langone Medical Center in New York, received this award for his investigation into a particular form of myasthenia gravis caused by antibodies against the LRP4 molecule, a component of the neuromuscular junction. “Antibodies against the LRP4 molecule has just been identified as a cause of myasthenia gravis, and the mechanisms underlying this form of myasthenia are not well understood,” said Roda. “Understanding the mechanisms of the disorder will help to design better treatment strategies.” The three-year award will consist of an annual salary of $75,000 plus $5,000 per year in educational expenses. Clinical research is the fundamental transition stage between discovery and treatment. Clinical research provides the scientific basis for all forms of care, addresses patient and caregiver needs and is the backbone for drug development and cost-effectiveness studies needed to improve lives. Fellowships provide recipients with up to three years of “protected time,” with salary that allows them to continue important research projects. Added Roda, “I feel privileged to receive this award as it will allow me to further investigate the mechanism underlying some of the most difficult to treat forms of myasthenia gravis.” Learn more about myasthenia gravis at and . About the American Brain Foundation: The American Brain Foundation supports crucial research and education to discover causes, improved treatments, and cures for the brain and other nervous system diseases. One in six people is affected by brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injury, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, autism, and epilepsy. For more information about the American Brain Foundation and how you can support research, visit or visit us on , , and . About the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America: MGFA is the only national organization dedicated to myasthenia gravis, working with both the MG Community and the health care professionals focusing on research, awareness and advocacy.

For more information about the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America and how you can support research, visit or visit us on .