A class of drugs known as beta receptor agonists may become part of the treatment of DMD in the future. These drugs are anabolic, but they're not steroids. An example is albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin), which is now on the market for the treatment of asthma and is being studied for the treatment of a non-Duchenne type of muscular dystrophy.
An accelerated heart rate is a frequent side effect of albuterol that concerns some doctors, especially since DMD usually involves heart problems.
Some experts believe future treatment plans will involve combinations of anabolic drugs. As noted, anabolic agents may help tip the balance away from continuous muscle destruction, but they're unlikely to be a cure.
