According to a story from PR Newswire, CureDuchenne Ventures has recently announced the initiation of its CureDuchenne Ventures 2020 Pitch Contest. This marks the first time that the contest has ever been launched. CureDuchenne Ventures is operated by CureDuchenne, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting research and treatment development for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This initiative is being deployed in order to continue seeking out new innovation projects that are focused on developing a treatment for the disorder, which has become a major challenge because of the ongoing coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic. Due to social distancing concerns, it is difficult for the research community to conduct its regular in-person meetings and conferences.
About Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disease, and it is one of the more severe types of muscular dystrophy. It is characterized by progressive muscle weakness that usually begins around age four and worsens quickly. As an X-linked genetic disease, boys are mostly affected, with girls only occasionally displaying mild symptoms. The disease is caused by mutations of the dystrophin gene. Symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy include falling, abnormal walking posture, eventual loss of walking ability, muscle fiber deformities, intellectual disability (not in all cases), enlargement of the tongue and calf muscles, skeletal deformities, muscle atrophy, heart abnormalities, and difficulty with breathing. Treatment includes a variety of medications and therapies that can help alleviate symptoms and slow disease progression. Lifespan is usually into the thirties with good care. Better treatments for this disease are urgently needed. To learn more about Duchenne muscular dystrophy, click here.
About The Pitch Contest
The contest is open to a variety of organizations, such as biotech and pharma companies as well as US colleges and universities. The contest is first and foremost seeking projects focused on new therapeutic approaches that could be applied to the disease, as well as research that could enhance current treatments. CureDuchenne Ventures has been operating for over a decade and has funded a 20 different projects so far.
Two winners will be selected as part of the contest with a reward of $25,000 to each. The recipients will also have access to expert guidance from researchers experienced in the field of Duchenne muscular dystrophy treatment development. The contest will accept applications until July 13th, 2020.
Interested in applying? Click here.
