Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy Announces Children's Hospital of Philadelphia as Certified Duchenne Care Center, Recipient of Inaugural Clinical Research Designation

WASHINGTON, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), a nonprofit organization leading the fight to end Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne), is pleased to announce the expansion of its renowned Certified Duchenne Care Center (CDCC) Program with the certification of the Neuromuscular Program at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). In a milestone for the program, CHOP becomes not only a CDCC, but also the first center to receive PPMD's newly established Clinical Research Designation—recognizing excellence in both clinical care and research.

This recognition highlights CHOP's long-standing commitment to providing world-class care and advancing clinical research for individuals living with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy. The addition of the Clinical Research Designation demonstrates CHOP's leadership in offering families access to high-quality clinical trials and research opportunities, while meeting the rigorous standards of the CDCC Program.

Rachel Schrader, MS, APRN, CPNP-PC, PPMD's Vice President, Clinical Care & Education, acknowledges the significance of the program's expansion to include CHOP. "The neuromuscular team at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has evolved significantly over the past several years to continue serving their Duchenne and Becker population, and we are thrilled to include them in our network of certified centers. This is an exciting and historic step for our program—not only are we recognizing CHOP's excellence in clinical care, but also its outstanding work in clinical research. The hospital's certification as the first CDCC with Clinical Research Designation reflects its deep commitment to both current and future generations of patients," said Schrader.

PPMD's Certified Duchenne Care Center Program supports standardized, comprehensive care and services for all people living with Duchenne. Certification means centers maintain the highest standards in clinical and sub-specialty services, rapidly apply new evidence-based knowledge, minimize heterogeneity in clinical research outcomes, and comply with standards in clinical care that were established by the CDC's Care Considerations. The Clinical Research Designation, launched in 2025, is an optional recognition awarded to certified centers that demonstrate a sustained commitment to excellence in clinical trials and research. While not all CDCCs participate directly in research, this designation helps families identify centers with active trial programs and research expertise.

Erica Goude, MS, CCRP, PPMD's Certified Duchenne Care Center Program Advisor, is delighted to add CHOP to the growing network of CDCCs and to expand the program to include its first center with Clinical Research Designation. "The work being done by the team at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is remarkable. Its commitment to providing outstanding clinical care and leading-edge research embodies the mission of the CDCC Program. We are honored to welcome CHOP not only as a CDCC, but also as our inaugural Clinical Research Designation site."

To learn more about PPMD's Certified Duchenne Care Center Program and the new Clinical Research Designation, visit PPMD's website.

About Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne is a genetic disorder that slowly robs people of their muscle strength. Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) fights every single battle necessary to end Duchenne.

We demand optimal care standards and ensure every family has access to expert healthcare providers, cutting edge treatments, and a community of support. We invest deeply in treatments for this generation of Duchenne patients and in research that will benefit future generations. Our advocacy efforts have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in funding and won eight FDA approvals.

Everything we do—and everything we have done since our founding in 1994—helps those with Duchenne live longer, stronger lives. We will not rest until we end Duchenne for every single person affected by the disease. Join our fight against Duchenne at EndDuchenne.org. Follow PPMD on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

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SOURCE Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD)