Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Professor Adrian Krainer has been named an honorary member of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) for 2023. The IADR honored Krainer for fundamental and translational research that led to a life-saving treatment for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The group also acknowledged him for “enhancing our understanding of how [RNA] splicing works in health and disease to develop other new therapies.”
“It is an honor to be recognized by the IADR, a century-old organization,” Krainer says. “Craniofacial, dental, and oral issues in SMA are very relevant for patients’ overall health.”
SMA is a neurodegenerative condition affecting muscle development and function. It was once the leading genetic cause of infant death. Krainer’s pioneering work led to Spinraza®, the first FDA-approved SMA treatment. To date, the drug has helped over 13,000 patients in more than 50 countries.
The IADR is an international organization that supports dental, oral, and craniofacial research for health and well-being worldwide.
Written by: Nick Wurm, Communications Specialist | wurm@cshl.edu | 516-367-5940