BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Emerging therapies targeting pathways involved in contraction-induced muscle injury have shown promising results in delaying disease progression for individuals with BMD. As novel therapies advance through clinical development, reducing diagnostic delays and keeping clinicians current on emerging treatment options will be increasingly important. We evaluated the impact of a continuing medical education (CME) curriculum on clinicians’ (HCPs) understanding of key pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying contraction-induced muscle injury in Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD), and implications of emerging therapeutics.
METHODS: A 60-min CME activity was launched on 8/7/24 and remained available for 1 year. To extend reach, microlearning segments were disseminated to NPI verified neurologists via LinkedIn. Educational impacts were assessed with pre- and post-activity test questions evaluating knowledge, confidence, and intended practice changes. Chi-square tests compared paired responses (pre to post; P<0.05). RESULTS: A total of 4,532 HCPs (83% neurologists), participated across all online and social media platforms. About half of them identified as current treaters, seeing at least 1 person with BMD per week. Baseline findings highlighted gaps in therapeutic awareness: 22% were somewhat aware of emerging therapies, while 56% were not very aware and 22% were not at all aware. Participation in the education led to significant increases in awareness of the mechanisms underlying contraction-induced muscle injury (37% pre vs 57% post), the common cause of mortality for people with BMD (41% pre vs 61% post), and emerging agents for BMD (29% pre vs 45% post). Additionally, 52% of HCPs reported an intent to change their practice, most related to treatment approaches and referrals. CONCLUSIONS: This CME initiative reached a large, clinically relevant neurology audience and significantly improved clinician understanding of contraction-induced muscle injury and emerging BMD therapeutics. Findings support CME as a practical strategy to accelerate clinician readiness for evolving BMD therapeutics and to strengthen evidence-informed care pathways for a rare neuromuscular disease. [Unrestricted educational grant provided by Edgewise Therapeutics Inc for the CME education]