SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Jain Foundation and Genzyme have collaborated to translate ALDA (Automated LGMD Diagnostic Assistant) into five new languages – Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Czech, and Ukrainian. This will give physicians worldwide easy access to ALDA, which uses a state-of-the-art algorithm to help physicians arrive at genetically-confirmed diagnoses for patients with limb-girdle muscle weakness in a fraction of the usual time. ALDA is freely available to clinicians in all six languages at www.jain-foundation.org/alda.
“The Jain Foundation has been looking to expand our efforts globally to diagnose patients, so we are thrilled to have partnered with Genzyme to translate ALDA into these additional languages,” says Dr. Laura Rufibach, Director of Research and Clinical Strategies at the Jain Foundation. “We hope that expanded access to the tool will be a significant help in getting a definitive genetic diagnosis for individuals worldwide.”
ALDA includes all LGMD subtypes identified through mid-2013 (LGMD1A-F; LGMD2A-Q), as well as a number of other muscle diseases whose symptoms also include limb girdle muscular weakness (HIBM, BMD, Pompe, FSHD, EDMD, ISPD, and Bethlem). Despite the similarity in pattern of muscle weakness, each of these muscular dystrophies can differ greatly in progression rates, inheritance patterns, systems affected (e.g. heart or breathing), and available therapies. Therefore, it is imperative for individuals to obtain a definitive genetic diagnosis so that they can be managed and cared for properly.
ABOUT THE JAIN FOUNDATION
The Jain Foundation (www.jain-foundation.org) based in Seattle, WA, is a privately funded not-for-profit focused on finding a therapy for muscular dystrophies caused by dysferlin deficiency (LGMD2B/Miyoshi Myopathy).
