March 26, 2026
The Muenzer MPS Research and Treatment Center team recently gathered in Chapel Hill for a team retreat focused on strengthening collaboration, aligning priorities, and planning for the future. The retreat brought together clinical, research, and administrative team members for a day of discussion and reflection. Conversations centered on ongoing projects, opportunities to enhance patient care, …
March 18, 2026
GSD Type I Presentation Highlights from Dr. Monika Williams The Muenzer MPS Research & Treatment Center recently hosted a journal club presentation by Dr. Monika Williams, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in Genetics & Metabolism at UNC, highlighting key insights into Glycogen Storage Disease Type I (GSD I). ⬇ Download Presentation (PDF) GSD I is a …
March 3, 2026
A recent story from CBS 17 Raleigh, North Carolina, highlights the journey of Dr. Kim Stephens and her family’s experience living with Hunter syndrome (MPS II). The article also features ongoing research efforts at the UNC School of Medicine focused on developing new treatment approaches for rare genetic disorders. In the story, Dr. Stephens shares …
February 27, 2026
Members of the Muenzer MPS Research & Treatment Center team recently participated in a Rare Disease awareness event at UNC Health, engaging with healthcare professionals, patients, and hospital visitors to help increase understanding of rare diseases. During the event, the team shared educational resources and spoke with members of the hospital community about mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) …
February 26, 2026
During Rare Disease Week, Dr. Kim Stephens was on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., representing the UNC Muenzer MPS Research & Treatment Center and the broader rare disease community. Advocacy is an important part of advancing research, improving access to care, and ensuring that the needs of individuals and families living with rare diseases are …
February 12, 2026
On February 12, 2026, at UNC Department of Pediatrics Grand Rounds, Liz Jalazo, MD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in Genetics & Metabolism, presented on the growing impact of gene therapy in neuromuscular disease care. Her presentation explored how advancements in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) treatment are helping shape future approaches for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and …
February 11, 2026
The Muenzer MPS Research & Treatment Center participated in the 2026 WORLD Symposium held February 2–6, 2026, in San Diego, California, joining international leaders in lysosomal disease research and clinical care. Center faculty and staff contributed multiple presentations and scientific posters addressing key topics across several MPS disorders: Dr. Elizabeth Jalazo presented preliminary results from …
January 5, 2026
A recent publication by Matthew Hirsch, PhD, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Microbiology & Immunology at UNC’s Center for Molecular Medicine, advances UNC’s MPS I corneal gene therapy work. The study demonstrates reversal of corneal clouding in an MPS VI feline model and, together with existing MPS I canine data, supports the therapy’s safety and …
January 5, 2026
Ongoing clinical research at UNC could lead to a first-of-its-kind enzyme replacement therapy for Hunter syndrome, an ultra-rare disorder that causes progressive multisystem disease and neurologic decline. Joseph Muenzer, MD, PhD, the Director of the Muenzer MPS Research and Treatment Center and the Bryson Distinguished Professor in Pediatric Genetics at the UNC School of Medicine, …
November 17, 2025
The 2025 MPS MasterClass brought together clinicians, researchers, families, and advocates for two days of focused education and collaboration, drawing more than 360 total views across its live Zoom sessions. Hosted by the Muenzer MPS Research & Treatment Center, the virtual program featured expert-led presentations on diagnosis, treatment advancements, clinical management, and emerging therapies across …
October 7, 2025
Monika Williams, MD, Assistant Professor in Pediatric Genetics & Metabolism and new MPS Center team member, has been selected for the 2025–2026 Passing the Torch cohort — a faculty development program that advances person-centered patient care and teaching through biweekly small-group learning and a capstone “passion project.” Dr. Williams focuses on the diagnosis and longitudinal …
September 3, 2025
Executive Director, Dr. Kim Stephens, represented the Muenzer MPS Research & Treatment Center at the FDA Convening On the RISE: Controls in Rare Disease Clinical Trials for Small and Diminishing Populations workshop in Washington, D.C., hosted in partnership with the Duke-Robert J. Margolis, MD, Institute for Health Policy. This important meeting brought together leaders in research, …