Cure Duchenne announces third annual scientific summit and worldwide webcast

CureDuchenne, a national nonprofit that funds research to find a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a lethal muscle disease that affects more than 300,000 boys worldwide, today announced the top Duchenne scientists from around the world will be announcing exciting research findings at CureDuchenne’s third annual Scientific Summit held February 11, 2012 in Newport Beach, Calif.

“We are getting so close to finding treatments for Duchenne,” said CureDuchenne President and Duchenne parent, Debra Miller. “CureDuchenne’s Scientific Summit brings together the best minds in research, academia and pharmaceuticals, which helps us continue to move science from the labs to the patients so we can save this generation of those impacted with Duchenne.”

Previous year’s Scientific Summits resulted in funding for leading-edge gene therapy research and next generation exon skipping – a molecular patch for the genetic defect that causes Duchenne. In addition to major advancements in medicine, these extraordinary research findings led CureDuchenne to hire Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Michael Kelly, who will be presenting at the 2012 summit. A top bio tech/pharmaceutical executive with more than 25 years of experience in drug discovery and development, Kelly is working to advance drug development programs, identify new drug targets that exhibit potential to transform the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and to drive research to market for treatments that will ultimately cure Duchenne.

Like summits in the past, this year’s Scientific Summit will help guide strategy and the vision for CureDuchenne in 2012 and beyond. The summit and its worldwide webcast serve as platforms for CureDuchenne to inform the public about the most current innovations and status of Duchenne research projects.

This year, in addition to announcing research findings, CureDuchenne’s Advisory Board will hold an open-participation question and answer session for those in attendance and for those participating in the summit’s worldwide webcast. Duchenne parents and caregivers can ask questions regarding research and the many challenges those afflicted with Duchenne face on a daily basis.

CureDuchenne’s 2012 Scientific Summit will be held February 11, 2012 from 7:30 a.m. to noon PST at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort in Newport Beach, Calif. A breakfast will be served for those in attendance from 7:30 – 8 a.m. PST (cost $35). The free worldwide webcast will begin at 8 a.m. PST, and can be joined by visiting www.ustream.tv/channel/cd2012. To purchase tickets, donate, and to learn more please visit www.CureDuchenne.org.

CureDuchenne is a national nonprofit organization located in Newport Beach, Calif. dedicated to finding a cure for Duchenne, the most common and most lethal form of muscular dystrophy. As the leading genetic killer of young boys, Duchenne affects more than 300,000 boys worldwide.

CureDuchenne has garnered international attention for its efforts to raise funds and awareness for Duchenne. With the help of CureDuchenne’s distinguished international panel of Scientific Advisors, funds raised by CureDuchenne support the most promising research aimed at treating and curing Duchenne. To date, seven CureDuchenne research projects have made their way into human clinical trials – a unique accomplishment as few health-related nonprofits have been successful in being a catalyst for human clinical trials.

Our vision is our name; to CURE Duchenne muscular dystrophy.