The Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra National Rehabilitation Institute (INRLGII) has been recognized as the first certified Duchenne Center in Mexico and Latin America by the World Duchenne Organization. This accreditation consolidates the INRLGII as a national and international reference in the fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), providing patients from all over Mexico access to innovative treatments and high-quality comprehensive care free of charge.
The certification, valid for five years, represents a significant advancement for patients by providing access to advanced treatments and a highly trained team of specialists to improve their quality of life. The main goal is to offer excellent care, promote research to develop new therapies, and better understand this rare disease in Mexico.
According to Rosa Elena Escobar Cedillo, a specialist in neuromuscular diseases and leader of the Duchenne team at the Muscle Dystrophies Clinic of the INRLGII, DMD is a degenerative disease that causes progressive loss of muscle strength in patients. This recognition is the result of a rigorous evaluation process that included interviews with medical staff, patients of all ages, and their families, as well as feedback from patient organizations.
Emiliano Overa, 16 years old, and Cristóbal Kaled, 12, are some of the patients who have experienced significant improvements in their mobility thanks to the therapy provided by the INRLGII. With appropriate treatments, walking and life expectancy for patients with DMD have been extended.
The INRLGII becomes the first certified Duchenne Center in Mexico and Latin America, joining a global network of six recognized centers. The general director of the INRLGII, Dr. Carlos Pineda, acknowledges the importance of this achievement that positions the Institute at a high standard of care for DMD. The disease, which affects approximately 1 in every 3,500-6,000 male births, manifests around the age of 4 with symptoms such as frequent falls and difficulties in performing daily activities.
