16th October 2020

This week, the results of the ‘Testosterone in DMD’ study were published in the European Journal of Endocrinology. This study was funded by Duchenne Now, and carried out in Newcastle upon Tyne with 15 patients.

The trial was looking at both the physical and psychological affects of taking testosterone in DMD patients, whilst also on steroids.

The results were positive, with increased height in most patients, improvements in muscle function and reduced levels of inflammation. It was well tolerated and many patients gave high satisfaction scores for taking part in the trial.

Duchenne UK is funding an extension study to this important work, to see if the levels of testosterone will remain the same once the injections have stopped. You can read more about that here.

If you would like to hear more about the testosterone and the trial, Dr Claire Wood, the lead researcher on the project, will be speaking at the DMD Care UK Webinar on Monday 19^th October. You can register here:  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_muwSjQ2iT9-gCDGciXJoVw

We would like to thank our partner charities and family funds for their support of this project:  Alex’s Wish, Caring for Connor, Duchenne Now, Joining Jack, Archie's March, Jacobi’s Wish, Smile with Shiv and Team Felix.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

What is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common fatal genetic disease diagnosed in childhood. Children born with DMD cannot produce the protein dystrophin which is vital for muscle strength and function. Muscle weakness starts in early childhood. Many use a wheelchair by around the age of 12. As deterioration continues it leads to paralysis and early death, often in their 20s. It almost exclusively affects boys. There is no treatment or cure. In the UK there are around 2,500 boys affected and around 300, 000 worldwide. It is classified as a rare disease.

Who are Duchenne UK?

Duchenne UK has one clear aim – to end Duchenne, a devastating muscle-wasting disease. As the leading Duchenne charity in the UK, we connect the best researchers with industry, the NHS and families to challenge every stage of drug development to make the incurable, curable. Together, we will find treatments and cures for this generation of patients with Duchenne.

Our president is HRH The Duchess of Cornwall. Our patrons include the broadcasters Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Mary Nightingale, and the sports stars Owen Farrell, Kris Radlinski and Andy Farrell. 

We need your help, because we need to keep funding promising new research.

How to donate?

Duchenne UK is entirely reliant on donations to fund research for treatments and a cure to DMD. This can be done via:

• Direct Debit – Duchenne Direct
• Individual Donation – Donate
• If you are a family or friend affected by DMD you can set up your own fund with Duchenne UK – Family and Friend Funds
• Take part in one of our fundraising events – Events
• Text DUCHENNE to 70085 to donate £5. This costs £5 plus a std rate msg.

For more information visit www.duchenneuk.org