Oxford PharmaGenesis release balloons to raise awareness of Duchenne muscular dystrophy

05 October 2015

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Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive and ultimately fatal genetic muscle wasting disease that affects approximately 1 in 3500 newborn boys.1 A fault in the dystrophin gene prevents the production of the protein dystrophin, which is important for muscle structure and function. An absence of this protein results in muscle weakness, causing a decline in physical ability over time.2,3 Children with DMD are usually confined to a wheelchair before the age of 12 years and die prematurely as young adults.1 There is currently no cure for DMD, but the disease is being extensively researched by scientists. Many charitable organizations are also involved in facilitating this research, as well as in raising awareness of DMD and supporting affected patients and families.

The Duchenne Balloon campaign (one of ten actions instigated for World Duchenne Awareness Day) aims to raise funds to improve patients’ and clinicians’ knowledge of DMD via education and awareness programmes. Over 10,000 digital balloons have been bought by people around the world to mark the World Duchenne Awareness Day on 7 September 2015. As a HealthScience communicator, Oxford PharmaGenesis is aware of the devastating impact that DMD has on patients and their families. We have therefore bought 500 balloons to support the Duchenne Balloon campaign. Further information can be found at: http://www.worldduchenneday.org/ and at: http://www.duchenneballoon.org/.

References

1. Blake DJ et al. Physiol Rev 2002;82:291–329.

2. Bushby K et al. Lancet Neurol 2010;9:77–93.

3. Muntoni F et al. Lancet Neurol 2003;2:731–40.