Following the success of previous Science Summits, the MSUD Family Support Group (FSG) proudly hosted the third MSUD Translational Science Summit on June 25, 2026. This day-long event brought together world-renowned researchers, both in person and virtually, to share cutting-edge developments in Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) research.

“This science summit enables scientists and medical professionals to interact and piece together a more complete and deeper understanding of the impact of MSUD on the body and on the brain. This will help us to better understand what potential treatments and drugs might improve the day to day lives of those with MSUD as well as point us to potential cures for the disease” said Karen Dolins, Research Lead of the MSUD Family Support Group.  “The discussions and information that was exchanged during the summit will be used to set the MSUD Family Support Group’s research priorities and guide us toward selecting future research projects.  We are grateful to all presenters and attendees for their contributions and dedication!”

Participants in the 2026 Science Summit included members of our Scientific Advisory Board, the MSUD FSG Board of Directors, prominent scientists working on innovative therapies and diagnostics aimed at improving outcomes for individuals with MSUD, and industry representatives.

Presentors included:

• Jerry Vockley, Director, Center for Rare Disease Therapy, UPMC  Children’s Hospital of Pittsburg
• Andrea Gropman, Chief, Division of Genetic and Genomic Medicine, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
• Rani Singh, Accociate Professor and Director, Division of Medical Genetics Optimized Care, Emory University School of Medicine
• Manuel Schiff, Professor of Pediatrics, and Clemente Pontoizezuau, Medical Biologist, IEMs, Necker University Hospital, Paris
• Rebecca Ahrens-Nicklas, Associate Chief of Research, Division of Human Genetics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
• John Counsel, Professor of Engineering Biology, University of College, London, England
• Kevin Strauss, Chief Medical Officer and CEO, Plowshare Therapies LLC
• Grace Meier, Family Medicine Physician, Clinic for Special Children, Lancaster, PA
• Jessica Gold, Assistant Professor of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, Cohen Childrens Medical Center
• karen Dolins, Research Lead, MSUD Family Support Group