GENE FOR MYOTONIC DYSTROPHY DISCOVERED

Ottawa - February 6, 1992: An international research group led by Dr. Robert Korneluk, a principal investigator with the Canadian Genetic Diseases Network who is located at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, has characterized the genetic cause of Myotonic Dystrophy, a debilitating disease which strikes about one in 7,000 young adult Canadians each year.

Dr. Korneluk led the six-year effort to find the cause of the disease, and collaborated with scientists in the Netherlands, the UK, and the United States. Myotonic Dystrophy is the most common muscular disease in adult life.

Discovering the gene responsible for Myotonic Dystrophy means that it will now be possible to rapidly develop diagnostic tools such as blood tests and make them almost immediately available to sufferers from the disease. The results of the research are published today in the British scientific journal, Nature.

Said Dr. Korneluk, "In the long term, it is most likely that research resulting from this discovery will lead to gene therapies and eventual treatment of the disease which, until now had had no chance of remedy." He added "This is great news for individuals and families afflicted with Myotonic Dystrophy".

Dr. Michael Hayden, Scientific Director of the Canadian Genetic Diseases Network commented "This major discovery indicates the impact of national networking in helping foster scientific advances and eventually, to enhancing Canadian industrial competitiveness."

The Canadian Genetic Diseases Network is core funded through the federal Networks of Centres of Excellence Program via the Medical Research Council of Canada. Launched in 1990, the Network is a collaborative research effort which links 8 universities, 23 research groups, and 12 core technology facilities across Canada. Support is also received in part from industrial partners including Merck Frosst Canada Inc. and MDS Health Group.