About Us
Our mission is to empower people living with neuromuscular diseases to live longer, more independent lives.
Brian Lin, PhD
Brian Lin, PhD, Senior Director of Research, Muscular Dystrophy Association, can address:
(1) Neuromuscular Disease Research (2) Emerging Therapies (3) Gene Therapy (4) Drug Development & FDA Approvals (5) Clinical Trials (6) Precision Medicine (7) MDA Research Strategy (8) Rare Disease Innovation
Brian Lin, PhD, Senior Director of Research, Muscular Dystrophy Association Bio:
Brian Lin, PhD, is the Senior Director of Research at the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), where he oversees research focused on neuromuscular diseases within the organization’s portfolio. He earned his PhD from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, studying disease mechanisms in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Dr. Lin completed his postdoctoral training at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), where his research focused on gene engineering and the role of synonymous mutations in protein therapeutics and gene therapies. His experience bridging molecular research and regulatory science now informs his work at MDA, where he supports cutting-edge research aimed at accelerating treatments and improving outcomes for individuals living with neuromuscular diseases.
Quotes from Brian Lin, PhD, Senior Director of Research, Muscular Dystrophy Association:
"Right now, neuromuscular research is entering one of the most promising eras we have ever had. Dozens of new therapies are already changing lives, and many more are on the horizon, offering the possibility not just of slowing disease but of restoring strength." - Health Day
“ALS often begins subtly, with early signs manifesting in a variety of ways that can be categorized into subgroups based on the site of onset and motor neuron involvement,” ... “Over time, symptoms become more widespread. As motor neurons continue to die, individuals with ALS lose the ability to perform everyday activities and eventually require aid with breathing.”- Men's Journal
Expertise:
- Neuromuscular disease research and emerging therapies
- Gene therapy and genetic medicine
- MDA’s contributions to drug development and the path to FDA approval
- Clinical trials and research participation
- Precision medicine and personalized treatments for neuromuscular diseases
- MDA's research strategy and funding priorities
- Advances in ALS, muscular dystrophy, and related neuromuscular diseases
- The future of rare disease research and innovation
Social Media:
Brian Lin in the Media:
- Yahoo Health: Former NFL running back Chris Johnson reveals he has ALS. The disease has already taken his voice
- FOX 17 Nashville: Live commentary on former NFL player Chris Johnson diagnosis with ALS
- CGT Live: Brian Lin, PhD, on Using Genetics, Biomarkers, and Clinical Trial Readiness to Enhance ALS Care
- NeurologyLive: 2026 MDA Conference Highlights in Neuromuscular Disease Research: Brian Lin, PhD
- SMA News Today: New era of SMA care focuses on whole-body, long-term health
- HealthDay: Understanding Autoimmune Neuromuscular Diseases: Signs, Causes & Treatment
- HealthDay: Neuromuscular Disease Care Is Entering a New Era of Hope and Innovation
- HealthDay: What You Should Know About Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
Contact
- Email: press@mdausa.org
