About Duchenne

Duchenne is a progressive neuromuscular disorder that causes a loss of motor, pulmonary, and cardiac function. It is caused by a mutation in the gene that encodes for dystrophin, a lubricating protein supports muscle fiber strength. When dystrophin is missing in the body, muscle cells are easily damaged, which causes progressive muscle weakness in the entire body.

Children with Duchenne are born seemingly healthy and decline over time, typically losing their ability to walk around the age of 12 and succumbing to the disease in their early to mid-twenties.

Duchenne can be passed from parent to child, but approximately 35% of cases occur because of a random spontaneous mutation. In other words, it can affect anyone.

To learn about FDA approved drugs for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, please visit our Treatment and Care page.

For more information on Duchenne, or to learn how to support Jett Foundation’s mission of empowering individuals and families that are impacted by Duchenne, please explore our website or contact [email protected].