Santhera Pharmaceuticals is developing new therapies for neuromuscular diseases. Its lead drug candidate, Catena, is under development for several uses, including the prevention of muscle degeneration in patients with  muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and optic nerve disorders. The candidate has been approved for the prevention of nerve damage in patients with Friedreich's ataxia (a genetic neuromuscular disorder causing loss of muscle control and muscle wasting) in Canada. The company explores other areas of drug development with candidates targeting ailments such as cancer cachexia (weight loss) and Parkinson's disease.