PTC Therapeutics Announces Five Winners In Its First-ever Global Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Patient Group Award

PTC Therapeutics, Inc.

is pleased to announce five recipients of its first-ever global awards program, the STRIVE Awards (Strategies to Realize Innovation, Vision and Empowerment), designed to aid nonprofit organizations that are committed to serving the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) community. The announcement is made as the global DMD community prepares for the international World Duchenne Awareness Day on Monday, September 7, 2015. "We are thrilled to present our STRIVE Awards to these organizations who are deeply passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of boys and young men affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy," said Stuart W. Peltz, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, PTC Therapeutics, Inc. "Our support through STRIVE helps these patient groups make their visions a reality, which will undoubtedly benefit the entire Duchenne community." The impact of the STRIVE Awards will be felt around the world with awards granted to patient organizations in India, Israel, the Netherlands, Spain and the United States. India Muscular Dystrophy Foundation will establish a resource center in Tamil Nadu to help the local patient community Israel Little Steps Association for Children with Becker/Duchenne will create an assistant dog program to support and provide companionship to patients The Netherlands Dutch Duchenne Parent Project will update current standard of care guidelines to include emergency and adult care information Spain ASEM Federation will provide a week-long summer camp for children with neuromuscular diseases, including Duchenne The United States Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy will create a campaign for healthcare professionals and at-risk women to raise awareness about carrier issues in the DMD community For complete information about STRIVE and each award recipient, please visit the STRIVE website at: http://www.ptcbio.com/en/about-ptc/ptc-strive-awards-program/ DMD is a rare genetic disorder that results in progressive muscle weakness from early childhood with subsequent loss of lower and then upper body function, leading to loss of the ability to walk at around 12 years of age. The STRIVE Awards recognize the vital role patient advocacy groups play in giving a voice to individuals affected by DMD, with the ultimate goal of facilitating unique, inventive ideas, methods or programs supporting patients and families within the DMD community. Award entries were received from 27 organizations from across 19 countries. This awards program was established to support initiatives that will benefit the DMD community by increasing awareness, diagnosis and education, and fostering the development of future patient advocates. An independent panel of external experts with knowledge in rare diseases, patient advocacy and funding initiatives judged entries for feasibility, creativity, budget, impact and sustainability. Five one-year awards of $30,000 are being presented to each of the recipients. "We have a tremendous amount of respect for the important services and programs provided by these organizations for the Duchenne muscular dystrophy community," said Mary Frances Harmon, Global Head of Patient Advocacy, PTC Therapeutics, Inc. "PTC Therapeutics shares the same commitment as each of these organizations with patients at the center of everything we do. We are delighted to have received such a positive response and really look forward to seeing these initiatives make a real impact on the lives of people living with this devastating condition."