Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) and Jesse’s Journey today announced a collaborative research award of $172,000 (CAD) in support of a two-year Clinical Fellowship in Duchenne Endocrinology and Bone Fragility.

The award will sponsor the fellowship of Dr. Kim Phung under the guidance of Dr. Leanne Ward, Professor of Pediatrics and Research Chair in Pediatric Bone Health at the University of Ottawa.

Endocrine issues can be common in Duchenne, especially if a person is on steroids. When steroids are taken every day over a long period, they change the way the body’s natural hormones are made and work, leading to issues such as adrenal suppression, delayed puberty, and impaired growth. In addition, people with Duchenne, especially those taking steroids, have weak bones (osteoporosis), putting them at risk for fractures.

Under the guidance of Dr. Ward, the award will support Dr. Phung, currently finishing her Pediatric Endocrinology fellowship at St. Justine Hospital in Montreal, in completing a two-year fellowship in pediatric endocrine and bone diseases at the University of Ottawa, with specific focus on endocrine and bone complications of Duchenne.

The Fellowship will expand research on Duchenne and its treatment-related complications, education of families and healthcare providers about the management of endocrine and bone complications, and encourage ongoing partnership to foster advocacy in these areas of care.

Rachel Schrader, MS, APRN, CPNP-PC, PPMD’s Vice President of Clinical Care and Education and Nicola Worsfold HBSc, MSc, Director of Research and Advocacy at Jesse’s Journey explained in a joint statement:

“The endocrinology and bone fragility effects of Duchenne and its treatment represent important clinical care issues, and are a key concern for families living with Duchenne. Jesse’s Journey and PPMD are pleased to partner with each other to provide support for this important area of research as we work to educate physicians and families on common endocrine and bone issues in Duchenne, including growth, puberty, adrenal suppression, obesity and related complications, and bone fragility due to osteoporosis.”

Dr. Ward appreciates the support of Jesse’s Journey and PPMD through this Fellowship:

“Dr. Phung and I are extremely excited and most grateful for the support of Jesse’s Journey and PPMD. I have always admired the work of these organizations to support families. For Dr. Phung to be the beneficiary of a Fellowship position is yet another example of their empowering initiatives. I very much look forward to our ongoing work together in the areas of endocrine and bone complications of Duchenne.”

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To learn more about PPMD’s robust Research Strategy, funding initiatives and strategies for accelerating drug development, click here.