Jain Foundation Inc.

The Jain Foundation Inc. (JFI) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to initiate and accelerate research essential to developing a therapy or cure for Type 2B Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD2B)/Miyoshi Myopathy, and to provide diagnostic tools worldwide for addressing this disease. Onset of LGMD2B is usually during the juvenile years. Most individuals have normal mobility during childhood. Muscle weakness affects muscles of both the pelvic and shoulder area, but usually progresses very slowly. Wasting (atrophy) of the calf muscle and an inability to walk on tiptoes may be seen early in the disease progression. In rare cases, temporary (transient) overgrowth of the calf muscle, painful swelling of the calf, and early development of contractures may occur. LGMD2B is caused by mutations of a gene that also causes Miyoshi myopathy, a rare muscle disorder characterized by weakness of the distal muscles of the legs and arms. The Jain Foundation targets specifically LGMD2B/Miyoshi Myopathy by providing the following programs and services: funding research projects in key pathways towards a cure; funding, tracking and organizing clinical trials; providing financial and logistic support to promising drug candidates to accelerate them to clinical trials; giving advice about gene sequencing options; helping to find appropriate experts on this disease (both scientific and clinical) in the patient’s country or area; providing information about ongoing clinical trials that may be relevant to the patient.