WMS2025 Digital Brochure-071025 (Spreads) by WorldMuscleSociety

Presidents welcome

Dear members of the World Muscle Society, friends and colleagues,

Every Congress of the WMS is special and the annual highlight in my busy travel diary. But this year’s meeting feels particularly meaningful as we gather to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the WMS congresses.

It was in 1996, in London, that Victor Dubowitz, our founding father, opened the first WMS Congress. That initial meeting of passionate clinicians and scientists planted the seed of something remarkable. Over the past 30 years, that modest gathering has grown into a truly global event, bringing together an ever-expanding community committed to bridging the gap between neuromuscular research and clinical care.

While previous anniversary congresses have taken us to unique, sometimes remote, destinations - Kruger National Park for the 5th anniversary, Iguazu Falls for the 10th, Kumamoto for the 15th, and Brighton for the 20th - this year we find ourselves in the very heart of Europe, in Vienna . Renowned for its rich history, breathtaking architecture, and deep musical heritage, Vienna is consistently ranked among the world’s most liveable cities.

I’m deeply grateful to Günther Bernert, Verena Bittner-Call, and the entire Local Organising Committee for hosting us in this beautiful, culturally vibrant city. And, much like in Prague last year, we are once again providing all attendees with public transport passes to encourage sustainable travel within the city.

This anniversary Fittingly, Vienna will host the largest in-person attendance in the history of our Congress, while online participationstill available - now serves primarily those already present rather than those joining remotely. Although travel inevitably carries a carbon footprint, our Sustainability Committee, led by Teresa Gerhalter, has made commendable progress toward reducing the environmental impact of our events. I look forward to learning more about their work - and that of all our committees - during the General Assembly, and I encourage all members to attend, whether in person or online.

This year’s scientific programme is, as always, at the heart of our Congress. It will focus on three key themes:

• Neuromuscular diseases as multisystemic disorders

• Multidisciplinary management of neuromuscular diseases

• Advances in therapies and drug development

All themes will be addressed in oral sessions and in many posters. I am already looking forward to the poster sessions and highlights, and the in-person discussions with poster presenters from around the world. We have extended the session on interesting clinical cases and, for the fourth year in a row, will feature a debate on a key topic within our field. This year, Michelle Lorenzos and Jorge Bevilacqua will moderate discussions concerning whether families should be offered n = 1 treatments.

And finally - on a personal note - this congress is particularly special to me as it marks the conclusion of my term as President of the World Muscle Society. Serving this extraordinary community for the past six years has been an honour and a privilege. I have been continually inspired by the Society’s dedication, openness to collaboration, and its commitment to improving the lives of those affected by neuromuscular disease.

Together, we have navigated challenges, including a global pandemic, celebrated remarkable progress, and expanded the Society’s global reach and influence in both science and care.

I want to extend my sincere thanks to the Executive Board , our Committee members , and to all of you - our members - who contribute your time, energy, and passion to the success of this Society. While still responsible for the congress in Vienna, our current Executive Board will hand over its responsibilities to a newly elected Executive Board and its executive officers, the Treasurer, Secretary and President of our Society, at the end of the Congress. I am very confident that the Society will be in excellent hands, and I look forward to continuing my involvement with the WMS and to supporting the next President and Executive Board as we move into this exciting new chapter.

I can’t wait to welcome you all to Vienna and to celebrate this special milestone together.

Volker Straub WMS President

Welcome

Dear members of the World Muscle Society, friends and colleagues,

On behalf of the Local Organising Committee, it is our great pleasure to welcome you to the 30th Annual Congress of the World Muscle Society, taking place here in Vienna, Austria

We are honoured to host this very special anniversary event of the WMS Congress and to welcome you to one of Europe’s most beautiful and culturally rich cities. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the WMS Congress here in Vienna gives us a unique opportunity not only to reflect on three decades of scientific excellence and collaboration, but also to look forward, together, to the future of neuromuscular research and care.

Vienna, with its imperial architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and long-standing tradition of scientific innovation, offers a truly inspiring setting for this celebration. In addition to your valued and important presence at the Congress venue, we warmly encourage you to take time outside the scientific sessions to explore the city’s many treasures, from world-famous museums and classical music to cozy cafés and historic streets.

Each day of WMS 2025 a plenary session will be dedicated to exploring one of the three main topics of this year’s Congress, which promise an engaging and diverse scientific programme: neuromuscular diseases as multisystemic disorders, multidisciplinary management of neuromuscular diseases, and advances in therapies and drug development.

Thanks to an outstanding number of some 770 high-quality submissions from participants around the globe, we look forward to lively plenary sessions, poster presentations, and oral communications that reflect the very latest in the field.

As has always been the backbone of the WMS philosophy, accessibility and inclusivity remain at the heart of our Congress. We are proud to offer a wide range of services and formats, including virtual access via the Congress app and translation support through Wordly, to ensure everyone can participate fully, whether on-site or online. We have provided family-friendly, multi-faith and quiet rooms for those who need them. Caregiver grants have been awarded to those who need or provide care, and we have a varied food and drink menu designed to meet all dietary requirements.

Alongside our scientific programme, we continue to improve our Congress for the benefit of all delegates, particularly those in the early and mid stages of their careers. This year, delegates can find out more about our Regional Networks at our Regional Networking session, influence our early to midcareer programme of work at our Early to Mid-Career Peer Networking session and contribute to our global effort to solve difficult clinical cases at our Interesting Cases Discussion.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the organizing team of WMS and to the Österreichische Muskelforschung (Austrian Muscle Research Association) for their invaluable dedication and collaboration in bringing this Congress to life and making this anniversary a truly memorable event.

We are confident that the 2025 World Muscle Society Annual Congress in Vienna will be not only a platform for groundbreaking scientific exchange but also a joyful celebration of 30 years of community, progress, and shared commitment. We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be an exceptional and festive Congress.

Safe travels, and see you in Vienna!

Günther Bernert and Verena Bittner on behalf of the Local Organising Committee

Congress venue

Situated next to the headquarters of the United Nations, the Austria Center Vienna is Austria’s largest events centre and one of Europe’s leading conference venues.

The venue has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment programme which we look forward to experiencing.

It is renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and exceptional service. Located in the heart of Vienna’s modern business district, the centre offers flexible event space, meeting rooms, and a large exhibition area. Its proximity to Vienna’s vibrant city centre and transport links makes it an accessible destination.

Austria Center Vienna, Bruno-Kreisky-Platz 1, 1220 Wien, Austria

Tel: +43 1 260690

See all the venue information: https://www.acv.at/en/

Virtual tours:

https://vrtour.360grad-team.com/austria-centervienna/

How to get to the venue:

https://www.acv.at/en/get-in-touch/arriving/

Exhibition area

The WMS 2025 Congress will be held on Level -2. The Congress sessions will take place in the Congress hall and lunch breaks will be served inside the exhibition hall, creating a steady flow of delegates.

For WMS 2025, the poster boards will be set up at the far end of the exhibition hall.

There will be industry theatres in Halls G and K for the parallel symposia.

Morning coffee and afternoon tea breaks will be served in the foyers and exhibition hall.

Venue floor plan

Foyer D - Registration

See all the venue information: https://www.acv.at/en/ Virtual Tour: https://vrtour.360grad-team.com/austria-center-vienna/

Exhibition floor plan and exhibitors

WMS2025 Congress

Kindly supported by

Dyne Therapeutics Edgewise Therapeutics

Italfarmaco

Novartis

Therapeutics

WMS2025 Congress

Kindly supported by Silver

Santhera Pharmaceuticals

Keros Therapeutics

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.

Benitec Biopharma, Inc.

Biogen

Entrada Therapeutics

Amicus Therapeutics argenx

AskBio

Avidity

Biomarin

Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

ChilliBean

Ml Biosolutions, A Bridgebio Company

PepGen

Regenxbio Inc.

Satellos Bioscience Inc.

Scholar Rock

WMS2025 Congress

Kindly supported by

Patient Advocacy groups

Industry symposia schedule

16:3017:30

WMS Industry Symposium 1 Withdrawn

07:4508:45 WMS Industry Symposium 3

Cardiomyopathy and advances in the treatment paradigm

WMS Industry Symposium 2

Advancing the treatment landscape in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

19:0020:00

WMS Industry Symposium 5

Evolving with SMA: A journey from survival to independence

WMS Industry Symposium 4

Achieving functional improvement in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1): defining goals of treatment and a roadmap to multidisciplinary care

WMS Industry Symposium 6

Breakthroughs in Becker: Unveiling New Natural History Insights and a Novel Agent’s Clinical Progress

Please see: https://www.wms2025.com/page/industry-symposia for other information. All times are in local Vienna, Austria (CET) time.

Join us at the ITALFARMACO Group sponsored symposium at WMS 2025!

Duvyzat®: Advancing the treatment landscape in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Tuesday October 7th, 2025 | 16:30-17:30 CET

Hall K (Level -2)

Chair: Prof. Dr. M.D. Laurent Servais

Head of the Neuromuscular Centre

Liège University Hospital (Belgium)

Director of the Pediatric Department

MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Reference Centre (UK)

Translating Duvyzat® clinical trial experience into clinical practice

Prof. Dr. Ulrike Schara-Schmidt, M.D.

Director of the Neuropediatrics Department Essen University Medical Center (Germany)

Evolving evidence for long-term treatment with Duvyzat®

Dr. Erika Finanger, M.D., M.S.

Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology Oregon Health & Science University (USA)

Discussion and Q&A

Duvyzat® EMA product information will be available at the Italfarmaco Group booth (No.2).

Date

ACHIEVING FUNCTIONAL IMPROVEMENT IN MYOTONIC DYSTROPHY TYPE 1 (DM1)

DEFINING GOALS OF TREATMENT AND A ROADMAP TO MULTIDISCIPLINARY CARE

WMS 2025 INDUSTRY SYMPOSIUM SPONSORED BY DYNE THERAPEUTICS

WEDNESDAY 8 OCTOBER 2025, 7:45-8:45AM CEST, AUSTRIA CENTRE VIENNA, HALL K

Join our expert faculty for an insightful discussion with DM1 community members about the true impact of living with DM1. We will delve into the root cause of the multisystem manifestations of DM1, discuss the importance of multidisciplinary care and approach to setting up a multispecialty clinic for the management of DM1. Lastly, we will explore DYNE-101 and its potential to address the totality of DM1 manifestations to provide functional improvement.

AGENDA FACULTY

Opening

Welcome and introduction

Unravelling the impact of spliceopathy in DM1

Monica Visone & Lori Planco

Nicholas Johnson

What’s the real impact of DM1? All

Multidisciplinary management of DM1: Are we getting it right?

Addressing the multisystem manifestations of DM1 with DYNE-101 to deliver functional improvement

Q&A and close

Valeria Sansone

Nicholas Johnson

Monica Visone

DM1 community member Attorney

Lori Planco

DM1 community member Research Support Specialist

The RNA Institute

Dr Nicholas Johnson MD, MSCI, FAAN

Professor and Vice Chair of Research Director, Center for Inherited Myology Research (CIMR) George Bliley Research Chair Virginia Commonwealth University

Prof Valeria Sansone

Full Professor of Neurology, Neurorehabilitation Unit, University of Milan, Clinical & Scientiﬁc Director, The Nemo Clinical Centre in Milan

Tea, co ee, and a light breakfast to be provided at the symposium.

This is a scientiﬁc exchange symposium organized and funded by Dyne Therapeutics. DYNE-101 is investigational or otherwise in development and has not been approved as safe or e ective by the US FDA, EMA, or any other regulatory authority.

Transforming SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION into HEALTHIER FUTURES

NS Pharma is a biopharmaceutical leader in delivering life-changing care to people living with complex, rare diseases

JOIN US FOR A SYMPOSIUM

Cardiomyopathy Associated with DMD and the Current & Select Investigational Treatment Options

Date: Wednesday, October 8

Time: 7:45- 8:45am

Location: Hall G Kan N. Hor, MD Pediatric Cardiologist

Backed by OVER 100 YEARS of Nippon Shinyaku Co. development expertise

The director of Cardiac MRI at The Heart Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and an associate professor of Clinical Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

At Abcuro, we are dedicated to developing potential treatments for those living with Inclusion Body Myositis, and we wish to recognize them, and their loved ones, who inspire our work.

Transforming SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION into HEALTHIER FUTURES

NS Pharma is a biopharmaceutical leader in delivering life-changing care to people living with complex, rare diseases

Stop by our booth in the main Exhibit Hall!

By uniting strategic partnerships, novel scientific innovation and expansive organizational expertise, we consistently drive meaningful therapeutic progress for people living with rare diseases including debilitating genetic disorders, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Hunter Syndrome.

Our passionate relationships with patients, caregivers, advocacy groups, and healthcare professionals are critical to effectively addressing unmet needs, understanding the integrated patient journey and seizing opportunities for furthering impactful innovation.

of Nippon Shinyaku Co. development expertise

US subsidiary of Nippon Shinyaku Co., Ltd.