Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Dept. of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich

The Friedrich-Baur-Insitute is the largest neuromuscular centre in Germany with about 1000 in-patients and 3000 out-patients per year (solely with neuromuscular diseaes), providing integrated clinical services for neuromuscular patients including clinical assessment, electrophysiology, muscle and nerve pathology, immunhistochemistry and immunoblotting, muscle biochemistry, muscle and nerve ultrasound, whole-body muscle MRI, genetic services, physiotherapy, rehabilitation therapy, counselling and social services. Moreover, the Friedrich-Baur-Institute is among the most research-active institutions for neuromuscular disorders in Europe with more than 350 research publications and a grant income exceeding 5 Mio. € in the last 5 years including several completed and ongoing clincial trials (www.baur-institut.de).

In an interdisciplinary approach, we bring together experts from different areas of research to collaborate on the epidemiology, diagnosis, molecular pathogenesis and treatment of muscular dystrophy, comprising participants from Neurology, Paediatric Neurology, Neuropathology, Human Genetics, Internal Medicine, Physiology, Developmental Biology, Molecular Pathology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry.

Our experts are working in assessing new therapeutics and animal models, and in developing standard protocols for diagnosis, and standards of care in neuromuscular diseases. We lead activities on harmonized European patient databases, biobanks and clinical trials, ensuring “trial readiness”. Additionally, we educate a new generation of specifically trained researchers and clinicians as ‘Myologists’. Additionally, we implement and disseminate results to professionals, patient organizations and the wider public, and collaborate with other partners and networks of rare disorders.

The ultimate goal is providing better diagnosis, treatment and care for all NMD patients in Germany.