Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne) is a severe recessive X-linked form of muscular dystrophy characterized by rapid progression of muscle degeneration, eventually leading to paralysis and early death. This affects one in 3500 males, making it the most prevalent of muscular dystrophies. In general, only males are afflicted, though females can be carriers. The disorder is caused by a mutation in the dystrophin gene, located in humans on the X chromosome. The Dystrophin gene codes for the protein dystrophin, an important structural component within muscle tissue. Dystrophin provides structural stability to the dystroglycan complex (DGC), located on the cell membrane.
About Action Duchenne
Action Duchenne was established to find a cure or more effective medicines to treat Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Since 2001 we have funded key research projects and supported clinical trials that are making real progress towards our key aim.
Our Research programme is now producing real results in terms of clinical trialling new drugs to treat Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.