News & Articles from Neuromuscular Disease Foundation
May 2025 6SL Update
Dear GNEM/HIBM community,
I hope this message finds you well. The NDF executive team has been diligently researching options for patients to access 6SL from reputable and reasonably priced suppliers. We want to share some significant information we have gathered during this process.
As a non-profit organization, the NDF operates primarily through the voluntary efforts of its members who are dedicated to finding an effective therapy and sharing essential research with our community. It is important to note that there is no financial benefit to any NDF member from this initiative.
Regarding 6SL, we encourage you to explore options available globally and identify which supplement companies offer this product. While baby powdered milk contains 6SL, finding it in its pure form may require some effort. We recommend reaching out to various supplement companies for assistance in sourcing pure 6SL. Keep in mind that prices may vary, especially for high-quality products produced in reputable laboratories (such as in Germany or Denmark). Most pharmaceutical companies in different countries should be familiar with this product, so doing thorough research can yield valuable information.
Consulting with your doctor or pharmacist can also provide guidance in locating this supplement. We urge each of you to invest time and effort into this search and share your findings with fellow patients. By collaborating, we can work towards securing better prices and quality for everyone.
Additionally, be aware of extra expenses such as customs charges that may arise, as we have learned that some countries impose significant charges on products imported from the USA. Shipping complexities can also contribute to higher costs. We recognize that the price of 6SL can be a financial burden for many. For instance, a monthly cost of $200 can represent a substantial portion of a patient’s income. We hope that those who are in a stronger financial position may consider supporting fellow patients who are facing financial challenges. In the future, we aim to organize fundraising efforts to assist those in need around the world.
As most of you know, we have patients in over 50 countries with a wide range of financial situations. The NDF’s primary focus is on scientific research to find an effective therapy. I have personally worked to minimize our costs and direct all donations towards our goal of ending this disease. I kindly remind you all to consider supporting the NDF financially so that we can continue our mission.
As this is an orphan disease, fundraising is a significant challenge, and the support of you and your families is crucial. Rest assured, we operate with minimal overhead to maximize the impact of every dollar received. We are committed to our mission, especially since there is no government funding available. We rely entirely on donations, and our goal is to provide comprehensive support and information for patients, particularly those newly diagnosed.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to contribute to our community’s efforts to find an effective therapy. This work is incredibly rewarding, and every positive step we take brings joy to my life. As a businessman, I can assure you that helping this community is far more fulfilling than chasing monetary success.
Warm regards,
David Haverim
Expanding Knowledge on GNE Myopathy
A Q&A with Tahseen Mozaffar, MD Tahseen Mozaffar, MD, is a neurologist and director of the ALS & Neuromuscular Center at the University of [...]
Neuromuscular Disease Foundation Announces $750K+ in Awards for GNE Myopathy Research & Programs
Neuromuscular Disease Foundation (NDF) is pleased to announce the GNE Myopathy related research projects selected for funding in 2021. Recipients include a global coterie of GNEM [...]
2021 Q1 Newsletter
Get the latest updates from our CEO, see what we've been up to, and hear about what we've got coming up next in our [...]
Save the Date: Our Gala is Back! November 14, 2021
A big shout-out to our supporters at Looking Beyond for our first generous grant of 2021 and all our supporters who've raised money online [...]
Leading NIH Expert on GNE Myopathy Joins the Neuromuscular Disease Foundation
Dr. Nuria Carrillo joins the Staff at Top Patient Advocacy organization for GNE Myopathy Neuromuscular Disease Foundation (NDF) CEO Lalé Welsh announced today that Dr. Nuria [...]
GNEM Symposium Speaker Series to Go Virtual
First Online Presentation Expands Reach and Increases Impact The Neuromuscular Disease Foundation (NDF) will launch its annual Symposium on GNE Myopathy Speaker Series on [...]
Jewish Journal: “Educating the Community About Jewish Genetic Diseases”
NDF sponsored an educational program in Los Angeles with the Jewish Genetic Disease Consortium and JScreen to educate community members and clergy about the [...]
Neuromuscular Disease Foundation Earns 2020 GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency
Neuromuscular Disease Foundation (NDF) is proud to announce it has earned a 2020 Platinum Seal of Transparency with GuideStar, the highest level of transparency attainable. [...]
Nature.com: “Ways to Make Meetings Accessible” featuring NDF’s Dr. Monkol Lek
NDF Scientific Advisory Committee member, Dr. Monkol Lek, Yale School of Medicine, along with three other esteemed scientists with disabilities, share their experiences and [...]
Yale Medicine: “Rare Diseases: Customizing Cures, Patient by Patient”
Read about NDF Scientific Advisory Committe member, Dr. Monkol Lek's journey from computer engineer to Yale School of Medicine PhD focused on searching for [...]