Last month the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation (MDF), a proud member of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) Alliance - a coalition of organizations, researchers, and industry partners working to expand federal support for translational science and rare disease research - co-hosted a bipartisan congressional staff tour of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) NCATS laboratories in Bethesda, Maryland.
Attendees included congressional staff representing:
- Dana Richter, Office of Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)
- Brittany Brignac, Office of Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD)
- Kathleen Bochow, Office of Senator John Boozman (R-AR)
- David Steury, Office of Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO)
The tour highlighted NCATS' groundbreaking work to accelerate translational science, turning scientific discoveries into treatments and cures for rare diseases like myotonic dystrophy (DM). Participants joined a briefing led by NCATS Director Dr. Joni L. Rutter, who outlined current research efforts and the ongoing need for sustained federal investment in translational research.
Kevin Brennan, MDF’s advocacy consultant and Executive Director of the NCATS Alliance, represented MDF during the event. Following the briefing, attendees toured labs featuring technologies that are shaping the future of rare disease research: the 3D bioprinting lab, which develops human-based predictive models of disease, and the AI robotics lab, which performs high-throughput screening of compounds for potential drug development.
The bipartisan visit reflected a shared commitment to advancing rare disease research and ensuring that federal initiatives like NCATS continue to drive innovation for communities living with myotonic dystrophy and other rare conditions.
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