About the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association

Who is the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association (CMTA) and What Does the CMTA Do?

The Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association is the largest philanthropic funder of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) research globally. At the heart of our funding initiatives lies the CMTA’s Strategy to Accelerate Research (STAR), bringing the best CMT researchers, clinicians, and experts in therapy development together with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and patients to expedite the development of treatments and ultimately a cure for CMT.

The CMTA actively works to improve the quality of life for all CMT-affected families. Our comprehensive community-first approach includes educational programs and materials, community and professional conferences, a community-led support network through our extensive Branch system in North America, and much more.

Founded by community members and still driven by a dedicated CMT community, the CMTA traces its origins to the National Foundation for Peroneal Muscular Atrophy (NFPMA), established in 1983 in Pennsylvania. Original founding member, Dr. Howard Shapiro, himself diagnosed with CMT, envisioned creating awareness within the medical community and providing support to families grappling with this lesser-known rare disease. As a federally recognized 501(c)(3) charity, the former NFPMA, now the CMTA, has tirelessly pursued Dr. Shapiro’s dual mission—advancing research for CMT causes, treatments, and cures, and empowering community through education and support.

Join us in making a difference in the lives of those who are affected by CMT.

Leading us in our mission is the governing CMTA Board of Directors and a STAR Advisory Board comprised of the world’s foremost CMT research scientists, clinicians and experts in the field of developing pharmacological therapeutics.


View the CMTA Community Presentation

Questions: reach out to the CMTA’s Info team at info@cmtausa.org

CMTA Mission and History

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The Leadership of the CMTA

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Annual Reports, Finances and Policies

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Corporate Sponsors

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