CMT Research Foundation (CMTRF), a not-for-profit organization focused solely on delivering treatments and cures for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, has added Grace Pavlath, Ph.D. to the team as the new Chief Scientific Officer.
CMT is a progressive genetic nerve disease and can lead to severe disability or even death. CMT has over 90 known genetic causes and can be passed down through multiple generations. Onset can be at birth or later in life and is characterized by muscle atrophy and the loss of sensation in the feet, hands, legs and arms. Nearly three million people of every age, race and ethnicity are living with CMT. Currently there is no cure for CMT and no effective treatments.
“The CMT Research Foundation has one mission: Deliver treatments for CMT. With this mission in mind, we are excited to welcome Dr. Pavlath to the team. Her expertise will be a catalyst in driving the right research efforts in the path for treatment delivery and the cures to those suffering with CMT. “ ~ Susan Ruediger, CEO
Grace Pavlath, Ph.D.
A seasoned academic researcher and former Chief Research Officer at the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), Dr. Pavlath brings her scientific and research prowess to the CMTRF. She will manage the currently funded research projects while curating more projects and acting as the steward for all scientific efforts and funding allocation, which will be catalytic in the pace of drug development for CMT.
In her previous role at the MDA from 2014-2019, Dr. Pavlath provided scientific leadership through interactions with federal agencies, international neuromuscular disease partners, biotech/pharmaceutical companies, as well as with patient advocacy groups and other neuromuscular disease stakeholders. She directed a multi-million dollar grants portfolio funding research throughout the drug development pipeline in both academia and industry. Prior to joining MDA, she led an internationally known laboratory as a tenured professor of Pharmacology at Emory University establishing herself as a leading researcher in cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in muscle regeneration and muscular dystrophy. She earned her doctorate in Pharmacology at Stanford University and then completed postdoctoral training at Stanford University and the University of Arizona.
“I’m excited to join CMT Research Foundation to bring the drug development successes seen in other neuromuscular diseases to the CMT community, and am honored to work with such a nimble and focused organization, dedicated to changing the course of this disease.”
~ Dr. Grace Pavlath
The CMT Research Foundation is enthusiastic about looking toward the future in changing the course of CMT with Dr. Pavlath’s valuable contribution to the team of expert board members, scientists, and advisors.
The CMT Research Foundation (CMTRF) is the only organization focused solely on delivering treatments and cures for CMT. Founded by two patients who are driven to expedite drug delivery to people who live with CMT globally, the organization funds research and drug development. The 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt organization is supported by personal and corporate financial gifts.
