NEUROMUSCULAR conditions are a major health problem in the Australian community. There are many hundreds of categories of neuromuscular disease and the social and economic costs to our community are enormous.

There are many dedicated clinicians and scientists engaged in neuromuscular research in Australia, however, there is at present no formal network of neuromuscular clinical investigators. Professor Frank Mastaglia, Director of Clinical Research at the Australian Neuromuscular Research Institute (ANRI) and Director Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders (CNND) sits on the NTA Management board as the Neuromuscular Disorders representative.

The clinical research undertaken at the ANRI and CND are examples of the capabilities of and output from Australian research in this therapeutic area.

The objective of the Australian Neuromuscular Research Institute is to significantly improve the health and welfare of the Australian community by searching for and pioneering the introduction of methods of prevention and treatment of neuromuscular disorders. In particular conditions in which it has special expertise, the Institute seeks to provide a focal point for the integration of all possible basic and clinical research approaches with ongoing health care in a sympathetic and supportive environment. The Institute scientists and doctors work together with hospitals and clinics in a unique partnership so the results of this world leading research are translated directly for the benefit of our Australian community.