PPMD’s 2026 Annual Conference brought together individuals and families from across the Duchenne and Becker community for three days filled with scientific presentations, discussions around care, clinical trials and quality of life, and of course, social events to connect and recharge. To all of our attendees, speakers, and sponsors, THANK YOU!
Brain & behavior
The Understanding the Brain and Behavior Across Life’s Stages session this morning explored how Duchenne and Becker can affect learning, emotions, behavior, and social development throughout childhood and adulthood. Experts shared practical strategies for supporting positive behavior, fostering age-appropriate independence, building confidence, and strengthening critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The discussion also highlighted the importance of mental health and adapting support as needs evolve across the lifespan.
This session was recorded and will be made available as soon as possible within two weeks of the live event. You can also check out some of PPMD’s Learning & Behavior care information on our website here.
Gene therapy spotlight
As a follow-up to yesterday’s gene therapy session featuring product-specific presentations from clinicians, today’s Part II gene therapy town hall featured a Q&A with individuals and families asking questions about immune suppression regimens, non-viral delivery, combination therapy, and more.
These sessions were recorded and will be made available as soon as possible within two weeks of the live event. You can also visit PPMD’s Gene Therapy Hub to learn more.
Education & beyond
From navigating the classroom to planning for life after graduation, sessions this morning explored what it means to thrive at every stage. We covered practical strategies for supporting friendships, behavior, learning, and school success, while also discussing the many paths available after high school—including college, employment, volunteering, entrepreneurship, and other opportunities to pursue individual passions and goals.
You can check out some of PPMD’s school resources for families on our website here.
Emergency care
Emergencies can happen unexpectedly, and being prepared can make all the difference. During a Lunch ‘n’ Learn session today, PPMD aimed to equip families with expert guidance on cardiac, pulmonary, and neuromuscular emergency care considerations, helping families feel more confident in responding when urgent situations arise.
We also have tons of helpful emergency care information and resources on our website here.
Carrier care & research
PPMD’s conference continues to offer dedicated programming for carriers, combining opportunities for both education and connection. Sessions today included the latest updates on carrier care and research—including cardiac health, neuromuscular care, and Duchenne Registry insights—as well as the Carriers Connections breakfast, where attendees were able to build community and share experiences with peers.
You can learn more about PPMD’s carrier resources here.
Breaking news from Capricor
During a late breaking news session this afternoon, Capricor Therapeutics presented five-year data from the HOPE-2 open label extension (OLE) study of Deramiocel. This session will be recorded and made available to the public as soon as possible within two weeks of the live event. You can also learn more about the update here.
Siblings panel
Duchenne and Becker siblings took to the main stage during the final session of PPMD’s 2026 Annual Conference for a candid panel where they shared their perspectives on growing up in a Duchenne household, and offered insight into the challenges, connections, and unique bonds that shape their journeys.
Run by siblings, for siblings, PPMD’s Sibs Connect program actively engages individuals that have siblings with Duchenne and Becker to foster connections, share concerns and ideas, and support siblings at every step. Learn more here.
Register today for PPMD’s 2027 Annual Conference!
Registration is now open for PPMD’s 2027 Annual Conference, taking place June 24–26, 2027, at the Gaylord Texan outside Dallas, TX! Mark your calendar and plan to join us for three days of learning, connecting, and recharging with the community. Families save big on registration rates now through July 11, 2026—register today!
The post Catching Up on PPMD’s 2026 Annual Conference: Part II appeared first on Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy.