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Irvine Clinic Opens to Support Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Patients

Interior view of the CureDuchenne Clinic, showcasing child-friendly healthcare spaces

News Summary

The CureDuchenne Clinic has opened in Irvine, providing specialized care for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). This initiative aims to become a destination center for comprehensive DMD support, backed by significant funding from CureDuchenne. The clinic will offer multidisciplinary services to enhance patient care and facilitate clinical trials, improving health outcomes for individuals affected by this condition.

Irvine Clinic Opens to Support Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Patients

The CureDuchenne Clinic officially opened its doors this month at the CHOC Center for Children’s Health in Irvine, created specifically to provide world-class care for individuals suffering from Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). This collaborative effort between CureDuchenne and the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), now part of Rady Children’s Health, represents a significant advancement in specialized healthcare services in Orange County.

Debra Miller, co-founder and CEO of CureDuchenne, announced during the ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 15 that the clinic aims to become a “destination center” for DMD patients seeking comprehensive care and support. To ensure the clinic’s success, CureDuchenne has pledged nearly $1.5 million over three years to fund operations, expand clinical trials, and enhance research focused on both Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy.

Jessica Miley, senior vice president and chief development officer of the CHOC Foundation, indicated that families from across the nation may choose to travel to Orange County to benefit from the advanced healthcare services offered at this newly established clinic.

Facility Details and Services

The CHOC Center for Children’s Health, where the CureDuchenne Clinic is located, occupies the entire second floor of the Joe C. Wen & Family Center for Advanced Care. This facility is part of a broader $1.3 billion hospital complex in Irvine, encompassing an outpatient area of 168,000 square feet dedicated to over 20 areas of specialized care.

The CureDuchenne Clinic will provide multidisciplinary specialties that improve access to integrated treatment for children diagnosed with DMD, with an emphasis on collaborative care and patient support. Additionally, a transition program is in development in partnership with the University of California, Irvine. This program will facilitate clinical trials at CHOC’s recently opened $300 million Southwest Tower, located in Orange.

Background on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a severe genetic disorder that affects approximately 15,000 individuals in the U.S., predominantly boys aged 2 to 5 years. The condition leads to a progressive deterioration of muscle function, with most affected individuals losing their ability to walk by the age of 12 and facing a significantly reduced lifespan, often not surviving past their mid-20s. Presently, there is no known cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Debra and Paul Miller founded CureDuchenne in 2003 after their son, Hawken, was diagnosed with DMD. Over the years, the nonprofit organization has made significant contributions to research and clinical trials, investing more than $26 million in 50 different projects, including investments in 29 companies. CureDuchenne is recognized as the 69th largest nonprofit in Orange County, with projected revenue of $9 million for the year 2024.

Looking ahead, the CureDuchenne Clinic strives to improve care transitions for adult DMD patients, similar to the needs of their co-founder’s son, Hawken, who is currently 28 years old and actively managing his healthcare needs. The clinic has appointed Dr. Brenda Wong as its chief medical advisor starting in January 2026. Dr. Wong previously directed a Comprehensive Neuromuscular Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for 19 years and will bring her expertise to enhance patient care at the clinic.

As the CureDuchenne Clinic embarks on its mission to transform DMD care in Orange County, it offers hope for families affected by this challenging condition, potentially paving the way for better treatment options and a brighter future for patients.

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Additional Resources

Irvine Clinic Opens to Support Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Patients

STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER

COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.

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