Therapy for DMD includes corticosteroids, gene therapy, and medications.
Supportive devices can help alleviate the effects of DMD on the heart and lungs.
A therapy approved in 2024, Duvzyat, has been shown to help slow down muscle damage in DMD.
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Therapies that interact with the bodys genes have been developed to treat it.
It is injected in one IV infusion.
Is DMD Curable?
There is no cure for DMD.
Corticosteroids and Duvyzat help prevent muscle fiber damage, and gene therapy can improve dystrophin production.
However, these treatments cannot fully prevent muscle degeneration in DMD.
Several different mutations (genetic changes) are known to cause DMD.
Testing can determine which genetic mutation you have.
Your test results will help determine which treatments could potentially benefit you.
A healthcare provider will assess these factors before recommending treatment.
Respiratory support may be necessary.
You might also be given breathing exercises with anincentive spirometerto help you optimize the strength of your respiratory muscles.
Doing so can help you avoid malnutrition or excessive weight loss.
Being part of a community can help you understand that you are not alone.
Additionally, your loved ones may benefit from DMD caregiver support groups.
Additionally, gene therapy is not uniform, as a few different genetic changes cause DMD.
Genetic testing can help guide your treatment.
Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves nonsteroidal treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
March 21, 2024.
June 22, 2023.
2017;23(6):633-641. doi:10.18553/jmcp.2017.23.6.633
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Children’s Health Insurance Program.
