Dr. Jeffrey Statland is a Professor of Neurology at the University of Kansas Medical Center, trained in experimental therapeutics for rare neuromuscular diseases. His research over the past decade has focused on preparing for clinical trials in muscular dystrophies. He has helped develop research networks for myotonic and limb girdle muscular dystrophies and is Co-Director of the FSHD Clinical Trial Research Network (FSHD CTRN), a global collaboration of over 20 academic partners across eight countries.

The FSHD CTRN emphasizes in-person evaluator training, patient engagement, and overcoming barriers to drug development through key trial preparedness data. It also fosters strong partnerships with advocacy groups and industry. The network leads two major international studies—ReSolve (NCT03458832) and MOVE (NCT04635891)—focused on biomarker and clinical outcome measure development. These studies have enrolled over 500 participants and supported trial planning for more than eight companies.

Beyond his network leadership, Dr. Statland directs the institutional Network Capacity Core, supports training for an autoimmune rare disease network, serves on the ALS Association’s medical steering committee, and advises multiple companies in the muscular dystrophy field. His work aims to advance treatments and care standards for individuals with rare neuromuscular disorders while amplifying diverse patient voices.