#United States #Philadelphia #CHOP #Duchenne #PPMD

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Recognized as Certified Duchenne Care Center

On June 12, 2025, Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) made a groundbreaking announcement regarding the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). The renowned institution has been certified as a Certified Duchenne Care Center (CDCC) and is the first center to receive the newly established Clinical Research Designation from PPMD. This milestone emphasizes CHOP's longstanding dedication to delivering exceptional care and advancing research for individuals affected by Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy.

The Clinical Research Designation reflects CHOP's commitment to not only provide high-quality clinical care but also to actively engage in cutting-edge research. This new recognition highlights the hospital's efforts to offer families access to clinical trials and research opportunities that can be life-changing for patients living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Rachel Schrader, the Vice President of Clinical Care and Education at PPMD, spoke highly of CHOP's achievements. She noted, “The neuromuscular team at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has significantly evolved over the years, enhancing their services for Duchenne and Becker patients. We are excited to welcome them into our certified network. This expansion is a historic step that highlights both their clinical care excellence and impressive clinical research efforts.”

The foundation of PPMD’s Certified Duchenne Care Center Program is to ensure standardized and comprehensive care for all individuals living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The certification guarantees that centers meet the highest standards of clinical and specialty services, ensure the integration of new research findings into practice, and reduce variability in research results. The newly instituted Clinical Research Designation is an optional accolade for certified centers demonstrating a sustained commitment to excellence in research and trials.

While participation in research may vary by each CDCC, this designation helps families identify facilities actively involved in clinical exploration and research initiatives. Erica Goude, the Certified Duchenne Care Center Program Advisor at PPMD, expressed enthusiasm over CHOP's addition to the CDCC network. “The remarkable contributions from the team at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia manifest the core mission of the CDCC Program. We are proud to recognize CHOP as our first center with the Clinical Research Designation, elevating their commitment to clinical care and innovative research,” she stated.

The Certified Duchenne Care Center Program not only strengthens the network of support for Duchenne patients but also enables families to navigate their options when it comes to care and trial participation. The significance of CHOP's designation marks a new chapter in support for individuals battling Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

For those interested in the services offered by PPMD's Certified Duchenne Care Center Program or to learn more about the Clinical Research Designation, further information is available on PPMD's official website.

About Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a genetic condition that progressively diminishes muscle strength and function. PPMD is dedicated to advocating for optimal standards of care and ensuring all affected individuals have access to skilled healthcare providers, innovative treatments, and a supportive community. Since its inception in 1994, PPMD has secured considerable funding, achieved multiple FDA approvals, and remains committed to improving the lives of all Duchenne patients.

Join the movement against Duchenne by visiting EndDuchenne.org or following PPMD on various social media platforms.