The launch of the Australasian Neuromuscular Network (ANN) was officially announced at the Rare Disease Symposium in Fremantle, WA, on Wednesday 20th April, 2011.

The ANN represents a critical step in the care and treatment of people with neuromuscular disorders – patients will benefit considerably through access to clinical trials (via international partners such as TREAT-NMD), new gene discoveries, improved diagnosis, new therapies – to achieve coordinated excellence of care throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Given the rare nature of the disorders, and that patients are located all over Australia and throughout New Zealand, a collaborative network to address diagnosis, prevention and treatment is extremely important. The Australasian Neuromuscular Network (ANN), involving over 270 doctors, medical professionals, scientists and representatives from advocacy groups will ensure that the best evidence from our clinical and laboratory based research is quickly translated into best clinical practice.