PPMD Supports Secretome Therapeutics with $250,000 for Cardiac Cell Therapy Development

On March 24, 2026, Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) made a significant investment in the field of cardiac health by providing $250,000 in funding to Secretome Therapeutics. This partnership is part of PPMD’s Venture Pathways initiative, aimed at speeding up the development of therapeutic options for Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy. The focus of this funding will be on Secretome's novel product, STM-01, which utilizes neonatal cardiac progenitor cells (nCPCs) to address heart issues linked to Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Despite advancements in treatment, cardiomyopathy remains the top cause of mortality in individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Recognizing this pressing need, PPMD has actively pursued enhancements to cardiac care through their Cardiac Initiative. The initiative emphasizes the importance of understanding cardiomyopathy's progression in Duchenne patients, advocating for regulatory acceptance of cardiac outcomes in clinical trials, and driving the development of potential cardiac treatments.

Katherine Beaverson, CEO of PPMD, emphasized the organization’s commitment to improving cardiac care for patients with Duchenne. She reflected, "Through PPMD Venture Pathways, we can provide essential support to explore another promising solution for Duchenne patients. Our mission is to advance multiple cardiac therapeutic strategies to discover effective treatments."

Secretome's STM-01 is an innovative therapy derived from neonatal cardiac cells collected during heart surgeries. When administered, these cells release various beneficial factors, including exosomes that can positively influence inflammation and fibrosis in the heart, thereby improving cardiac function. It is important to note that the nCPCs themselves do not integrate into heart tissue but play a vital role by delivering therapeutic agents that impact heart health.

Currently, STM-01 is undergoing evaluation in a Phase 1 study involving adults suffering from Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction, which is pivotal for understanding its safety and efficacy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Vinny Jindal, the President and CEO of Secretome Therapeutics, shared his gratitude for PPMD's support, calling it both significant and pivotal for the journey ahead. He stated, "Cardiac disease is a critical unmet need in this community, and PPMD’s investment will enhance our capacity to develop our neonatal cardiac progenitor cell therapy to combat cardiomyopathy’s underlying factors."

This funding from PPMD is not just an investment in a specific therapy; it reinforces the organization’s storied legacy of investing over $55 million into Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy research over the past three decades. Coupled with their extensive funding for academic and preclinical studies, PPMD's Venture Pathways initiative helps biopharmaceutical companies reach critical study milestones, effectively accelerating investigational products towards clinical application.

Moreover, these financial commitments present opportunities for PPMD to secure returns from its investments. Such returns can be reinvested into future research projects, further supporting the Duchenne and Becker community's needs.

PPMD meticulously evaluates all research-funding commitments to ensure they hold potential benefits for patients and serve the best interests of the Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy communities. To learn more about the innovative approaches enabled by PPMD's Venture Pathways program, interested parties can visit their official website.

About Secretome Therapeutics

Secretome Therapeutics is a Texas-based clinical-stage biotechnology firm developing groundbreaking therapies derived from neonatal cardiac progenitor cells (nCPCs). Their leading product, STM-01, aims to modulate inflammatory and fibrotic responses to support heart function in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, as well as those suffering from dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure. The company is also advancing STM-21, a novel secretome-based treatment currently in the preclinical phase, along with other innovative nCPC-dependent products.

About Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a genetic condition that gradually diminishes muscle strength. Founded in 1994, Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) addresses every obstacle necessary to eradicate Duchenne. They advocate for high standards of care to ensure families access leading healthcare providers, pioneering treatments, and a robust support community. PPMD has played a vital role in securing funding and achieving regulatory approvals that help prolong the lives of those battling Duchenne. Every initiative undertaken by PPMD is centered around the mission to end Duchenne for every person affected by this life-altering disease. For more information or to get involved, visit EndDuchenne.org. Follow PPMD on social media platforms for updates and support.