In the fast-moving world of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) research and treatment, there is one constant: corticosteroids matter. Even as gene therapies, exon skipping, and other advanced modalities come into play, corticosteroids remain at the foundation of care for most patients living with DMD. However, navigating the when, how, and how much corticosteroid should be used is becoming more complex than ever—and equally crucial to a patient’s well-being. That’s why The France Foundation, with commercial support from Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, developed “Optimizing the Role for Corticosteroids Within the Evolving DMD Treatment Landscape,” a dual-format educational initiative built for neuromuscular clinicians in a landscape full of options.
Corticosteroids are utilized in nearly 90% of patients with DMD at some point in their care journey, but they can come with a heavy side effect burden. Real-world practices around monitoring, dosing, and regimen selection vary widely across institutions and care teams, making it a challenge for clinicians to provide precise, evidence-informed care. This program addresses the most pressing topics in corticosteroid management, including:- Inconsistent proactive monitoring of side effects like growth suppression, bone fragility, and behavioral changes
- Limited understanding of differentiation among available steroids, like prednisone, deflazacort, and amorolone
- Uncertainty around integrating corticosteroids with gene therapy and other DMD treatments
As new therapies emerge and clinicians face more decisions than ever before, we strive to meet learners where they are. To that end, this initiative offers two formats:
1. A 12-Session Grand Rounds Series
Hosted at leading academic institutions across the US, these live, interactive sessions blend faculty-led lectures with real-world case scenarios, audience polling, and group discussion. Sessions focus on:
- Comparing corticosteroid options using clinical trial and real-world data
- Proactive monitoring strategies and interdisciplinary care coordination
- Practical guidance on adjusting corticosteroid regimens for patients receiving gene therapy for multiple therapies
This on-demand module uses audio, visual, and interactive learning methods to help clinicians:
- Make confident, evidence-informed decisions
- Apply current data to real-world patient scenarios
- Learn flexibly at their own pace
It also includes downloadable slides and a rapid recap summarizing the activity to reinforce retention and encourage behavior change.
Navigating clinical nuance—like weekend dosing vs. daily dosing or tailoring regimens based on behavioral or cardiac risk side effects—ultimately results in minimizing avoidable complications and improving patient outcomes. Through our education, we’re preparing clinicians for conversations with patients and families about combination therapy and long-term care planning.
We’re elevating the experience of neurologists and neuromuscular specialists by providing practical, timely guidance rooted in the reality of caring for patients with a progressive, multisystem disease like DMD. With data still emerging from observational studies and trials, this program will help clinicians stay ahead of the curve and master the fundamentals of DMD management strategies.
If you’d like to learn how you can work with us on the next continuing education initiative, contact us by using the form below.
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