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Our research

More effective treatments for this generation of patients living with DMD are urgently needed.

As the UK's largest funder of DMD research, we're funding groundbreaking science to treat not only the symptoms of the disease, but also the underlying causes.

Petri dish - early stage research

Research we're funding

Duchenne UK is funding revolutionary scientific research to transform the lives of those affected by DMD.

Most of the current treatments for DMD do not address the underlying cause: the body’s inability to produce dystrophin. We want to better understand and target the causes of DMD so that we can stop the disease in its tracks. That’s why we’re funding revolutionary treatments like gene therapy, to replace the missing dystrophin gene lacking in people with DMD.

We also recognise the urgent need to improve the quality of life of those living with DMD today. We fund research into treatments and therapies to treat DMD’s severe symptoms and help patients live longer, healthier lives. 

For an explanation of medical terminology, visit our research glossary.

Treating the causes of DMD

DMD is caused by a genetic mutation that means the body is unable to produce the dystrophin protein. Dystrophin is essential for strengthening and protecting muscle fibres. We are funding groundbreaking research into ways of replacing the missing dystrophin in people with DMD.

Treating the symptoms of DMD

Our ultimate aim is to find a cure for DMD, but we also want to improve the quality of life of those living with DMD today. We fund research into treatments and therapies that could treat the symptoms of DMD and help patients live longer, healthier lives.

Understanding DMD and the impact of treatments

In order to develop a treatment, it is vital to understand how the disease progresses. By better understanding DMD and how it affects the body, scientists can then target elements for correction.

A lab technician in a research lab

Apply for funding

If you would like to discuss an idea for a research project or make a proposal for us to consider funding, please contact us in the first instance at [email protected].

Download our Research Review Process below to find out how we assess projects for funding.

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Fleur Chandler, chair of project HERCULES steering group Fleur Chandler, chair of project HERCULES steering group

Accelerating access to treatments

We not only fund research, but are breaking barriers in the way of patients accessing innovative treatments.

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Louis and his brother Jenson playing in a tree Louis and his brother Jenson playing in a tree

Supporting the DMD community

We're working to ensure that everyone affected by DMD receives the best care and leads a better quality of life.

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Current treatments & therapies

Find out more about the current treatments and supporting therapies available for people living with DMD

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