PTC Therapeutics Launches Fifth Annual STRIVE Grant Award Program for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

SOUTH PLAINFIELD, N.J., Feb. 13, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- PTC Therapeutics, Inc. PTCT today announced the launch of the fifth annual STRIVE grant award program for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The STRIVE Awards provide funds to patient advocacy organizations around the world to develop unique and collaborative programs that make meaningful contributions to the rare disease community.

Since its inception, STRIVE has supported more than 20 programs that have directly impacted the lives of people living with Duchenne, addressing some of the greatest areas of unmet need. The programs have improved access to diagnostic testing, supported independent living and personal empowerment, educated families and healthcare professionals, provided psychological support via a range of online platforms, and provided much-needed opportunities for respite. Further details of all winning programs and their progress can be found here. 

"With funding from the STRIVE Awards last year, we were able to provide educational meetings and access to specialized healthcare professionals in support of families affected by Duchenne in Hungary," said Gabriella Oberrecht, Duchenne Hungary. "The PTC STRIVE program provides a great opportunity for the Duchenne community to help realize their goals, and we encourage local organizations to submit their proposals this year to support families living with Duchenne."

"Now in its fifth year, we are proud that the STRIVE Awards Program continues to support the Duchenne community. Past winners have helped carers, healthcare professionals, and families," said Mary Frances Harmon, Senior Vice President, Corporate Relations, PTC Therapeutics. "Through the proposals we receive each year, we see innovative solutions for the complex challenges faced by this community, and we are excited to see the proposals that are submitted this year."

The program is aimed at improving the diagnosis and treatment of Duchenne patients, increasing the visibility of this devastating rare disorder and educating the general public and healthcare professionals, as well as identifying and fostering the next generation of Duchenne patient advocates. The application process for the program is now open to Patient Advocacy Organizations and the deadline for submission of proposals is April 30, 2019. Recipients of the awards will be announced later this year in conjunction with World Duchenne Awareness Day.

For more information around the criteria for applications, selection process and how to apply, please visit the STRIVE Awards Program's website: www.ptcbio.com/en/strive 

About Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Primarily affecting males, Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a rare and fatal genetic disorder that results in progressive muscle weakness from early childhood and leads to premature death in the mid-twenties due to heart and respiratory failure. It is a progressive muscle disorder caused by the lack of functional dystrophin protein. Dystrophin is critical to the structural stability of all muscles, including skeletal, diaphragm, and heart muscles. Patients with Duchenne can lose the ability to walk as early as age ten, followed by loss of the use of their arms. Duchenne patients subsequently experience life-threatening lung complications, requiring the need for ventilation support, and heart complications in their late teens and twenties. More information on the signs and symptoms of Duchenne can be found at: www.duchanneandyou.com

About PTC Therapeutics, Inc.
PTC is a science-led, global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of clinically-differentiated medicines that provide benefits to patients with rare disorders. PTC's ability to globally commercialize products is the foundation that drives investment in a robust pipeline of transformative medicines and our mission to provide access to best-in-class treatments for patients who have an unmet medical need.

For More Information:
Investors:
Emily Hill
+ 1 (908) 912-9327
ehill@ptcbio.com

Media:
Jane Baj
+1 (908) 912-9167
jbaj@ptcbio.com 

Patient Organizations:
Mary Frances Harmon
+1 (908) 912-9205 or (866) 282-5873
mharmon@ptcbio.com 

Forward-Looking Statements:

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SOURCE PTC Therapeutics, Inc.