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

Historic Petroglyph-Covered Rock Returns Home After 14-Year Church-Led Mission

TREMONTON, Utah – A significant cultural artifact, a boulder adorned with ancient…

Local Families Receive Holiday Food Boxes from Second Harvest

At the Greene County Fairgrounds, a significant event unfolded as the Second…

Greeneville Barber Faces License Suspension Amid Allegations of Misconduct

In Greeneville, Tennessee, a significant development has emerged concerning a local barber…

Jonesborough Community Engages with Experts on Potential Impacts of Proposed BWXT Facility

Recently, the community of Jonesborough, Tennessee, gathered for a town hall meeting…

Miami Land Deal for Trump Presidential Library Moves Forward as Judge Dismisses Complaint

A Miami judge has ruled in favor of a college’s controversial decision…

UN Official Suggests Lifting US Sanctions May Encourage Syrian Refugees to Return Home

BEIRUT – On Thursday, the leader of the U.N. refugee agency in…

Tragic North Carolina Business Jet Crash Sparks Massive Fire During Airport Landing

Generic image of a fire truck. (Pixabay) STATESVILLE, N.C. – A dramatic…

Suspect in Brown University Shooting and MIT Professor’s Murder Discovered Deceased, Authorities Confirm

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The intense hunt for the suspect in the recent…

Unveiling the Mystery: How an Anonymous Tipster Solved the Brown University Shooting Case

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A crucial lead from an anonymous tipster, who had…

Meadowview Resident Faces Serious Drug Charges: Held Without Bond

A Meadowview resident is currently detained without the possibility of bail following…

Ex-Letcher County Sheriff Faces Murder Charges: Latest Court Hearing Unveils Shocking Details

Former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines, facing charges for allegedly fatally…

New Indoor Racquet Sports Center Opens in Bristol, Virginia

The city of Bristol, Virginia, has proudly introduced its latest addition to…