Leiden Researchers Make Breakthrough in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Leiden, 24 October 2025 at 3:03 PM
Researchers at LUMC, together with colleagues from the University of Florida, have identified hundreds of proteins in the blood that provide information about the progression of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The study, published in Nature Communications, brings a simple blood test a significant step closer.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a rare, hereditary muscle disease that primarily affects young boys. Their muscles progressively weaken, often leading to the use of a wheelchair around the age of ten. Tracking the progression of the disease is currently challenging, as doctors mainly rely on physical tests that are strenuous and not always reliable.

Less Burdensome
Researchers at Leiden University discovered that certain blood proteins, known as biomarkers, indicate how quickly the disease progresses and how well a patient can still walk or use their arms. These proteins can also show whether medications are having an effect. This makes patient care more personalized and less burdensome.

The LUMC has played a central role for years in research on Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy. Becker muscular dystrophy is a similar condition, but it is often diagnosed later and tends to have a less severe course.