The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) will honor UI professor of pediatrics Katherine Mathews, MD, with the 2025 MDA Legacy Award for Achievement in Clinical Research at the MDA Clinical & Scientific Conference in Dallas, Texas, on March 17.
In a news release issued by the MDA, Sharon Hesterlee, PhD, EVP, Chief Research Officer, MDA, said, “Dr. Mathews has long been at the forefront of clinical research, particularly in documenting the natural history of several neuromuscular diseases and testing new therapies. Her groundbreaking work over the years and commitment to her patients continues to have a profound impact on the lives of patients and their families.”
Mathews is being honored with the award for her significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of genetic disorders affecting the neuromuscular system. As a professor of pediatrics and neurology at the UI Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, she has been a leader in clinical research for over two decades. Her work spans multiple neuromuscular diseases, with a particular focus on Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD), Friedreich’s ataxia and Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD).
Mathews is best known for her early work in helping to pinpoint the genetic cause of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, as well as her work in documenting the natural history of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the dystroglycanopathies, and Friedreich’s ataxia. She has been principal investigator (PI) on over 30 industry-sponsored clinical trials focused on neuromuscular diseases, significantly advancing both clinical care and scientific understanding, and serves as a Co-PI on the Center for Disease Control’s MD STARnet muscular dystrophy surveillance study.
In addition to her research, Mathews has played a key role in mentoring the next generation of clinical researchers through her leadership as part of the Iowa Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center. As a Co-Principal Investigator and MDA Care Center Director, she has fostered a collaborative environment for advancing neuromuscular disease research. Mathews has also served on MDA’s Research Advisory Committee for over two decades, lending her expertise towards prioritizing promising research for MDA to support.
“This award is a tremendous recognition of Dr. Mathews’ leadership and impact across all facets of neuromuscular disease,” says Alexander Bassuk, MD, PhD, UI professor and physician-in-chief of UI Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital. “Her rigorous research has improved our understanding of these diseases and our ability to treat them, and her commitment to mentoring has helped train physician scientists who will follow in her footsteps. Most importantly, her dedication to improving the lives of her patients and their families is a powerful driving force in all her work.”
Editor’s Note: This announcement was adapted from a news release by the MDA