Duchenne muscular dystrophy

noun

Du·​chenne muscular dystrophy dü-ˈshen- 

də-

: a severe progressive X-linked muscular dystrophy of males marked by early childhood onset and absence of the protein dystrophin

called also Duchenne's muscular dystrophy

compare becker muscular dystrophy

Examples of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Prasad also faced a blitz from the pharmaceutical industry and patient-advocacy groups after the FDA tried to suspend distribution of a gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy called Elevidys, over safety concerns. —Benjamin Mazer, The Atlantic, 31 July 2025

Prasad’s resignation comes amid mounting criticism from right-wing figures, including activist Laura Loomer and former Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.), that coincided with a regulatory showdown with drug manufacturer over a gene therapy treatment for boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. —Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 30 July 2025

Sarepta and Roche stopped the use of Duchenne muscular dystrophy therapy gene therapy Elevidys following two patients’ deaths. —Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025

Pipeline setbacks, including an experimental treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) failing in a late-stage trial, and concerns about management’s decisions on R&D spending and acquisitions have weighed on Pfizer’s stock lately. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Guillaume Armand Duchenne †1875 French neurologist

First Known Use

1971, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Duchenne muscular dystrophy

• osteodystrophy

Medical Definition

Duchenne muscular dystrophy

noun

variants also Duchenne's muscular dystrophy

: a severe progressive form of muscular dystrophy of males that appears in early childhood, affects the muscles of the legs before those of the arms and the proximal muscles of the limbs before the distal ones, is inherited as an X-linked recessive trait, is characterized by complete absence of the protein dystrophin, and usually has a fatal outcome by age 20

—abbreviation DMD see becker muscular dystrophy