Barry Byrne, M.D., Ph.D., professor and associate
chair of pediatrics and Molecular Genetics &
Microbiology and Director of the University of
Florida Powell Gene Therapy Center.
Barry Byrne, M.D., Ph.D. is a pediatric cardiologist. He is a professor and associate chair of pediatrics and Molecular Genetics & Microbiology and Director of the University of Florida Powell Gene Therapy Center.
Byrne's research is aimed at understanding several types of inherited muscle disease, which lead to heart and skeletal muscle dysfunction. His primary involvement lies with disorders such as Pompe, congenital muscular dystrophy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, focusing on the associated cardiomyopathy in these conditions. Byrne is actively working on a gene therapy approach in muscular dystrophy especially where cardiopulmonary dysfunction is not effectively managed by the current approach.
"We are mindful of developing treatments that will improve heart and lung as well as skeletal muscle functions," said Byrne. "Families should speak to their cardiologists about early treatment of cardiomyopathy which could ultimately impact their child's long term outcome."
Byrne is currently training for this year's Climb to CureDuchenne Pick Your Peak. He is joining the elite team climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro on June 25-July 2, along with 8-year-old Tyler Armstrong (see separate article). Since there are no mountains in Florida, Byrne is biking (60 miles per week), swimming and climbing the Florida football stadium to prepare for the climb. Byrne has participated in all of the previous Climb to CureDuchenne Pick Your Peak events including climbing Mt. Rainer and Grand Teton.
"I'm looking forward to this year's adventure on Mt. Kilimanjaro," said Byrne. "I hope Tyler is strong enough to carry or assist all the adults to the summit," he cheerfully added.
