UNC Muenzer MPS Center

09/18/2026

Dr. Joseph Muenzer recently presented at the IX Latin American Course on Lysosomal Storage Diseases (LACLSD) in Antigua, Guatemala.

During the conference, Dr. Muenzer shared his expertise in two presentations focused on MPS:
🔹 Clinical Aspects of MPS and Related Diseases
🔹 Treatment for MPS and Related Diseases

LACLSD brings together healthcare professionals and experts in lysosomal storage diseases from across Latin America and around the world to advance education, collaboration, and care for individuals and families affected by these rare diseases.

09/17/2026

💙 Hope takes all of us.

The Muenzer MPS Research & Treatment Center is dedicated to treating individuals with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) and advancing research to improve the lives of those affected by MPS.

Led by world-renowned MPS expert Joseph Muenzer, MD, PhD, the Center is 100% funded through philanthropic support.

In addition to advancing MPS research and treatment, the Center provides a consultation program where patients and families can receive guidance from clinicians with extensive experience in MPS care.

Your generosity helps make this work possible and supports our continued commitment to individuals and families throughout the MPS community. 💙

📞 (919) 228-2432
✉️ [email protected]

💙 Support the Muenzer MPS Center:
go.unc.edu/MPSCenterDonate

09/17/2026

📢 Breaking MPS News

The FDA has approved the first gene therapy for pediatric patients with Sanfilippo syndrome type A (MPS IIIA) — an important milestone for the MPS community. 💙

Read the FDA announcement:
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-gene-therapy-pediatric-patients-sanfilippo-syndrome-type?fbclid=IwY2xjawUZHOpwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7Y8mKBcc4JI9GcTbleARYesddvXGCr9BpMf--3egWw_WSJO07NUtXPllpZVw_aem_vnTyPhFRJCVlbefdjESqEA

09/16/2026

09/11/2026

This week, Kim Stephens, DBA, Executive Director of the Muenzer MPS Research & Treatment Center, presented at the 2026 Global Genes RARE Drug Development Symposium in Boston.

Kim presented in the session “Successes & Lessons Learned from Recent Rare Disease Drug Approvals & Clinical Trials,” joining other rare disease leaders to share insights and lessons learned from recent advances in therapy development. The session was part of this year’s symposium theme, “Accelerating Rare Disease Progress: Aligning Advocates, Science & Industry.”

Learn more about the 2026 RARE Drug Development Symposium: https://globalgenes.org/rdds-2026/

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day from the Muenzer MPS Research & Treatment Center!

Today, we recognize and appreciate the dedication and hard work of those who make a difference every day.

We are especially grateful for the healthcare professionals, researchers, advocates, and many others whose work helps advance research, care, and support for individuals and families affected by MPS.

Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing Labor Day!

09/04/2026

📚 Back to School: Neurocognitive Services for MPS

As the new school year begins, neurocognitive testing can help families better understand learning, developmental, and everyday support needs for individuals with MPS.

The Muenzer MPS Research & Treatment Center offers developmental, cognitive, and adaptive behavior assessments to help identify strengths and areas where additional support may be beneficial.

🧠 Learn more about our Neurocognitive Services:
https://www.med.unc.edu/pediatrics/muenzer-mps-center/making-an-appointment/neurocognitive-services/

📧 [email protected]
📞 919-228-2432

09/01/2026

Muenzer MPS Center at SSIEM 2026 🌎

Dr. Joseph Muenzer and Dr. Elizabeth Jalazo recently contributed to the scientific program at SSIEM 2026 in Helsinki, Finland, sharing research focused on emerging therapies for MPS.

Dr. Muenzer presented on tividenofusp alfa for MPS II (Hunter syndrome), while Dr. Jalazo contributed research focused on MPS IIIA (Sanfilippo syndrome type A).

The international symposium brought together researchers and clinicians from around the world to share advances in inherited metabolic disease research and care.