Parents urge FDA to restore gene therapy after distribution pause
Share this @internewscast.com


() An Illinois family is urging the Food and Drug Administration to restore access to Sarepta Therapeutics’ Elevidys, the only FDA-approved treatment for Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy.

Two of Alison and William Small’s three sons, Hunter and Noah, are diagnosed with Duchenne’s. Noah, 9, received the treatment in March. After three months of close monitoring and with no complications, the family said he’s made progress, including being able to swim and ride a bike.

But a recent FDA investigation has paused further distribution of Elevidys, following reports of at least three patient deaths, including an 8-year-old boy who died June 7 in Brazil.

The FDA said the deaths appear to have been a result of acute liver failure in those treated with Elevidys. However, Roche, which markets the drug outside the U.S. in partnership with Sarepta, confirmed the boy who died in Brazil was not enrolled in a clinical trial.

Sarepta voluntarily and temporarily halted distribution on July 22 to allow time to address FDA safety labeling updates and respond to regulatory inquiries.

‘We’re looking for clarity and transparency’: Father

The Smalls had been working through the insurance approval process for their 10-year-old son, Hunter, to receive the same treatment. That process is now on hold.

Speaking to ‘s “Morning in America” on Monday, the Smalls called for transparency and a clear path forward from federal regulators. They said families affected by Duchenne’s deserve to understand the risks and that many believe the treatment is worth fighting for.

“Whether it’s through the administration or working with the FDA, what we’re looking for is some clarity and transparency … especially talking to the DMD community and families to understand where the risks are, why we believe this drug is worth fighting for and worth dosing to our son and the sons of other people in the community,” William Small said.

The family’s personal connection to Duchenne’s led them to establish the Small Heroes Foundation, which supports families affected by the disease. They’re now among a growing group of advocates calling on federal regulators to allow continued access to Elevidys for families who are willing to accept the risks.

Neither the FDA nor Sarepta has provided a timeline for when the pause may be lifted.

What is Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy?

Duchenne’s is a rare genetic condition that primarily affects boys, causing progressive muscle degeneration and premature death, according to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. It occurs in 1 in 3,500 to 5,000 male births.

Without treatment, most patients lose the ability to walk in their early teens and often do not survive into adulthood.

Elevidys is the only gene therapy approved by the FDA for the treatment of this disease.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Discover the Competitors in Alaska’s Fat Bear Week

Internet Explorer 11 is not compatible with our site. For the best…

Travis Decker Confirmed Dead by U.S. Marshals

() The U.S. Marshals Service has declared Travis Decker dead after a…

Illinois Residents: IDPH Releases Fall Vaccine Recommendations

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The Illinois Department of Public Health released its…

Local Non-Profit Launches Campaign to Support Downtown Bars with Ordinance Reform

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn., (WJHL) – Since the ordinance that changed the last…

Ohio, 6-7, Bop, and Mogging: Understanding These Slang Terms

[WATCH: In the video player above, see which words Americans have the…

Eyewitness Describes Taking Shelter Amid Gunfire at Dallas ICE Center

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…

Kash Patel Shares Image of Anti-ICE Shell Found at Dallas Shooting Scene

DALLAS (WFLA) — The FBI director, Kash Patel, has released an image…

Oklahoma Firefighter Shares Incredible Story of Rescuing Woman from River During Hurricane Helene

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — It’s an understatement to say that Levi…

Dog Named Bradford Becomes Internet Sensation for Love of Piano Music

Internet Explorer 11 is not supported. For the best experience, please use…

Footage Shows Trump’s Elevator Slip-Up at the United Nations

Internet Explorer 11 is not supported. For the best experience, please use…

Inmate Fatally Shot at Dallas ICE Facility

IE 11 is not supported. For the best experience, please visit our…

Taiwan Initiates Cleanup Efforts Following Super Typhoon Ragasa

IE 11 is unsupported. For the best experience, please visit our site…