This year, Masters has significantly raised its contribution to the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) to $10,000, given the growing need of new treatments for the illness. The PPMD is the largest non-profit organisation in the US dedicated to DMD.

The $10,000 will help sponsor the PPMD 2010 Annual Connect Conference, which provides a comprehensive update on the condition: scientific progress, medical advancements, emotional support, legislative activities, and current and upcoming clinical trials. In addition, the first Duchenne Therapeutic Development Meeting will run in parallel.

     
Masters CEO Dave Moran says: “We have been working closely with the PPMD for around 10 years. To mark this event and future support for the PPMD, we want to boost our assistance for this rare and often neglected condition. We hope our support will help advance the development of new treatments and care, and ultimately improve the lives of DMD patients.”

Dr Zulf Masters, executive chairman, says: “Without organisations such as the PPMD, many young patients would be deprived of the care and medical treatment they urgently require. We look forward to developing our partnership with the PPMD in the coming years.”

   
DMD is a rapidly progressive form of muscular dystrophy that occurs primarily in boys. It is caused by a mutation in the DMD gene found on the X chromosome. Patients have progressive loss of muscle function and weakness, which begins in the lower limbs.

The condition affects about one in 3,500 male births worldwide. Glucocorticoid corticosteroids can help manage the condition by improving muscle strength and function.

The conference will be held in Denver, Colorado, on 24-27 June. For more information, please visit www. www.parentprojectmd.org.