Disease Directory Nemaline Myopathy
Neuromuscular

Nemaline Myopathy

Also known as: NEM, rod myopathy, nemaline rod disease

Prevalence

1 in 50,000

Onset

Congenital or early childhood (occasionally adult onset)

Type

Autosomal recessive or dominant (gene-dependent)

Gene

NEB, ACTA1, TPM2, TPM3

About Nemaline Myopathy

Nemaline Myopathy is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous congenital myopathy defined by the presence of nemaline rods (abnormal protein aggregates) on muscle biopsy. At least 12 causative genes have been identified, with NEB (nebulin) and ACTA1 (skeletal muscle alpha-actin) accounting for the majority of cases. Clinical severity ranges from severe neonatal forms with respiratory failure to mild adult-onset weakness.

Common Clinical Features

Generalised muscle hypotonia from birth or early childhood Proximal greater than distal muscle weakness Facial weakness and a long, narrow face High-arched palate and feeding difficulties Respiratory insufficiency (variable severity) Scoliosis and foot deformities Delayed motor milestones

Clinical Trial Eligibility Tips

What to know before applying to Nemaline Myopathy trials.

Muscle biopsy demonstrating nemaline rods by Gomori trichrome staining is the diagnostic hallmark and is usually required for trial enrolment alongside genetic confirmation

Gene-specific trials exist (especially for ACTA1 and NEB); identifying your causative gene via a congenital myopathy NGS panel is essential before applying

Pulmonary function testing (FVC, MIP, MEP) is a standard eligibility and endpoint measure, particularly for moderate-to-severe phenotypes

Patient Resources

Patient Organization

Cure CMD / A Foundation Building Strength

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Natural History Registry

CMDIR

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Orphanet

European reference resource for rare diseases (ORPHA:607)

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NORD

National Organization for Rare Disorders

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Find recruiting Nemaline Myopathy trials

Search 500,000+ studies from ClinicalTrials.gov, filtered for Nemaline Myopathy. Updated daily.

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