Advancing rare disease research through collaboration

The project, funded by C3 and led by Dr. Pia Elustondo of AGADA Biosciences, focuses on characterizing a novel zebrafish model of LGMD2A/R1 and using it to test potential candidate drugs. Zebrafish provide a powerful model for rare disease research because they reproduce quickly, are well-suited for early-stage drug screening, and enable  researchers to evaluate potential therapies more efficiently.

The work was spearheaded by AGADA’s zebrafish team, including Anna Cordeiro Santanach, working alongside the Zebrafish CORE Facility at Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Medicine. Together, the teams aim to strengthen the tools available for preclinical testing and accelerate progress toward new treatments for people living with LGMD2A/R1.

This collaboration highlights AGADA’s commitment to advancing rare disease research through strong partnerships, innovative models, and science with the potential to make a meaningful difference for patients and families.