HACKENSACK, N.J., April 4, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ —
Parent Project Muscular
Dystrophy (PPMD) – the largest, most comprehensive
non-profit organization in the United States focused on
finding a cure for
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne) – announced today
that they will award Ronald G. Victor, M.D. of Cedars-Sinai Medical
Center, a $750,000 grant to fund his study of phosphodiesterase
inhibitors (sildenafil and taladafil) as a possible therapy for
Duchenne.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100119/DC39975LOGO)
Dr. Victor and his team at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute in
Los Angeles discovered a defect in muscle blood flow in
mdx mice and boys with Duchenne. Correcting this defect with
phosphodiesterase inhibitors (sildenafil and taladafil) improves
muscle and heart function in mdx mice. Dr. Victor will conduct a
clinical research study to determine if these drugs can improve
muscle blood flow in boys with Duchenne, with plans to continue on
to a larger multi-center clinical outcomes trial examining both
heart and muscle function.
PPMD President and CEO
Pat Furlong said that the organization is pleased to support
the work of Dr. Victor and Cedars-Sinai. “Parent Project Muscular
Dystrophy launched a cardiac initiative at the beginning of this
year so that potential treatments in Duchenne took into
consideration the effect therapies may have on the heart. Dr.
Victor and the wonderful people at Cedars-Sinai have not only taken
into consideration cardiac issues in Duchenne, but are also
combi
‘/>”/>
SOURCE