2025-11-21
Dr. Christopher Grunseich Featured in Quest Media Interview on SBMA and AJ201
Christopher Grunseich, MD, Lasker Clinical Research Scholar in the Inherited Neuromuscular Diseases Unit at the National Institutes of Health and the lead principal investigator of AJ201, was recently interviewed by Quest Media — a highly respected, MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association)-supported platform delivering trusted insights on neuromuscular diseases, medical care, emerging research, and day-to-day disease management.
In the interview, Dr. Grunseich provides a clear and comprehensive overview of Spinal Bulbar Muscular Atrophy (SBMA), also known as Kennedy’s Disease, including its genetic cause, diagnostic considerations, clinical presentation, and the pressing need for disease-modifying therapies. Dr. Grunseich also discusses AnnJi’s investigational therapeutic candidate, AJ201, and its Phase 1/2 clinical trial outcome in SBMA patients. “Some encouraging preliminary results indicate that AJ201 may reduce CK (creatine kinase) levels and improve muscle function. With these supportive findings, we hope to advance to a Phase 3 study in 2026.”
Key points highlighted in the article include:
• SBMA is a progressive neuromuscular disorder caused by a mutation on the X chromosome. It primarily affects males and is characterized by muscle weakness, bulbar involvement (face, mouth, and throat), and sensory neuropathy.
• There are currently no approved therapies that slow or modify the progression of SBMA. While multidisciplinary care can help manage symptoms, the need for disease-altering treatments remains significant.
• AJ201 is designed to address core pathogenic mechanisms associated with SBMA, including toxicity, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. Early clinical data suggest potential benefits such as reduced creatine kinase (CK) levels and improved muscle function.
We invite you to read the full interview here:Understanding Spinal-Bulbar Muscular Atrophy