We are humbled and grateful to share that Duchenne muscular dystrophy has been recommended by House and Senate Defense Appropriations leadership for  $12.5 million in federal funding for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) through the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) at the Department of Defense (DoD). This achievement reflects the tireless efforts of our community—the families who have shared their stories, the researchers dedicated to improving the lives of those living with Duchenne, and the advocates who have relentlessly pushed for increased funding. 

This comes in a year marked by significant challenges for the broader medical research landscape. Due to a 57% overall budget cut to the CDMRP in the FY25 spending bill just passed last week, many other disease programs saw their funding drastically reduced or eliminated altogether, making every dollar allocated even more significant. Our annual Advocacy Conference played a crucial role in rallying congressional support, and PPMD and our partners worked diligently to ensure that Duchenne remained a priority, engaging with key legislators, sharing compelling stories from families, and emphasizing the urgent need for continued research. To every advocate who has raised their voice, thank you. You are making a difference.

Funds allocated for Duchenne through the CDMRP will support:

• Innovative Research: Advancing promising scientific discoveries despite an increasingly constrained funding environment.
• Translational Studies: Ensuring that research moves efficiently from the lab to clinical applications, even as resources grow scarcer.
• New Technologies and Biomarker Development: Supporting improved diagnostic tools and trial methodologies amid growing funding uncertainty.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the Members of Congress who fought to preserve Duchenne funding and to the Department of Defense for recognizing the importance of this research. We also stand in solidarity with those who lost critical funding this year, knowing that a stronger, more equitable future for medical research requires ongoing collaboration. We will continue to engage with Congress and the DoD as they work to implement these recommendations.

PPMD remains committed to leading this charge, and we invite you to stay engaged by joining our advocacy efforts. Together, we will keep pushing forward, even in the face of adversity. Our work is far from over, but today, we take a moment to acknowledge the power of advocacy and the collective impact we can make.