CureDuchenne set to host 2025 Futures conference in San Antonio
This year's theme is 'Together We Thrive'
CureDuchenne will host its annual Futures National Conference May 22-25 in San Antonio, as part of an effort to provide education and offer connections to members of the Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy communities.
Under the theme “Together We Thrive,” the event will share information on research and resources for families affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Registration is open and participants can attend online or in person.
Family support will also be in the spotlight, with sessions planned for those who’ve been newly diagnosed, and for single parents, siblings, adults with Duchenne, and patients with behavioral challenges.
“Futures brings together leading scientists, clinicians, and the Duchenne community to share the latest advancements, provide trusted guidance, and foster a sense of hope,” Debra Miller, founder and CEO of CureDuchenne, said in an organization press release. “It’s a space where families feel informed, supported, and empowered as we move closer to a cure.”
Duchenne is caused by mutations in the DMD gene that result in virtually no dystrophin, a protein that protects muscles from damage during movement. Mutations that result in lower amounts of functional dystrophin usually result in a diagnosis of Becker muscular dystrophy.
What’s in this year’s event?
The keynote address will be delivered by Robert and Trude Steen, parents of Mats Steen, who lived with DMD and inspired “The Remarkable Life of Ibelin,” an award-winning Netflix documentary. Mats’ parents will discuss how their son built a community through gaming and became a friend and advisor to many, going beyond what they had ever imagined.
Research sessions will cover both approved and experimental treatments, particularly gene therapies, exon skipping and other RNA-targeted treatments, along with treatments to preserve muscle and ease inflammation.
Educational sessions will include topics on multidisciplinary and supportive care, physical therapy, responding to emergencies, and how to navigate into adult life.
The conference will include an Exhibitor Showcase to allow both in-person and virtual attendees to engage with pharmaceutical company representatives and medical equipment exhibitors.
This year’s conference will feature sessions in Spanish so more families have access to information in their native language. Multilingual translation will be available for all sessions. On-site childcare and activities for the whole family, including an e-gaming lounge, will also be offered.
Social events are also on the agenda. Admission for adults or children with Duchenne is complimentary. The fee for family members and caregivers, investors and healthcare professionals is $150. The cost is $650 for industry representatives. Travel assistance, which may include lodging and/or transportation, is available and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Ahead of the public conference, CureDuchenne will host a private roundtable discussion to gather together leading scientists, pharmaceutical and biotech companies working on treatments for Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy, and regulatory leaders. This “Meeting of the Minds” will focus on the hurdles and opportunities in developing therapies.
Sarepta Therapeutics, the developer of several exon-skipping therapies for Duchenne, is the event’s diamond sponsor. Platinum sponsors include Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, which owns the North American marketing rights to Agamree (vamorolone), and ITF Therapeutics, which developed Duvyzat (givinostat). Other companies are also supporting the event.
A leader in research, patient care, and innovation to help those with Duchenne improve and extend their lives, CureDuchenne funds research, early diagnosis and treatment access, offering education and support programs.
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