Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness and degeneration. DMD significantly shortens life expectancy, with most individuals living into their 20s or 30s, though advances in care are improving outcomes.

  • Cause: Mutation in the DMD gene, leading to a lack of dystrophin, a protein needed for muscle strength and stability; inherited in an X-linked recessive pattern, primarily affecting boys.

  • Features: Muscle weakness starting in early childhood (especially legs), difficulty walking, frequent falls, enlarged calves, and later heart and respiratory issues.

  • Diagnosis: Based on symptoms, elevated creatine kinase levels, genetic testing, and sometimes muscle biopsy.

  • Treatment: No cure; management includes corticosteroids, physical therapy, respiratory support, and emerging therapies.

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