Understanding The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Approval Process [transcript][audio]

Guests:  Dr. Jonathan Strober & Julie

Presenter: Neal Howard

Guests Bio:  Dr. Jonathan Strober is a clinical Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics at UCSF.  He is the director of the Pediatric Neuromuscular Clinic and MDA Care Center at Benioff Children’s Hospital. This clinic, sponsored by the Muscular Dystrophy Association, treats children with disorders of the muscle and nerve. Strober, a specialist in childhood neuromuscular disorders, is board certified in neurology and psychiatry and has special certification in child neurology. He also is trained to perform electromyography (EMG) to evaluate patients with suspected neuromuscular disorders.

Julie Cosgrove-Garcia, caregiver, lives in Sacramento, California with her husband Marcus and son Nick (25). Nick was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare and devastating degenerative disease in 2001. Duchenne muscular dystrophy causes muscle weakness and eventually robs patients of their ability to walk, move their arms, and care for themselves. She works full time at Pacific Gas and Electric Company.

Segment overview: Here to discuss the FDA Approval process and its impact on a group of children with a rare and fatal disease are Dr. Strober and caregiver Julie.