
The baby saved from a rare disease by a first-ever personalized gene fix has reached a big milestone, taking his first steps ahead of Christmas.
KJ Muldoon is walking and getting ready to celebrate the holiday season at home with his parents and three siblings.
KJ was born last year with a genetic disorder called carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase 1 deficiency. Also known as CPS1 deficiency, the metabolic condition affects only 1 in 1.3 million babies and often leads to life-threatening outcomes.
When he was 6 months old, doctors began giving KJ a groundbreaking new treatment -- a personalized CRISPR gene editing therapy at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Doctors save baby's life with first-ever gene fix for deadly rare disease
The gene-editing therapy works like a "molecular spell-checker,” finding and fixing the specific genetic error causing his condition.
After three infusions and after spending the first 10 months of his life in a hospital, KJ was discharged and sent home in June.
Baby saved by gene-editing therapy 'graduates' from hospital, goes home
Since then, KJ has continued to grow and thrive with his family, celebrating his first birthday at home and taking part in one of the family’s favorite rituals -- cheering for their beloved Philadelphia Eagles.
Doctors hope new technology like CRISPR gene-editing therapies can be the key to treating more than 7,000 rare diseases, such as sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, Huntington’s disease and muscular dystrophy, that affect approximately 30 million people across the country.
latest_posts
- 1
A trip to Colombia in my 20s turned into 8 years freelancing in South America. Here's what I'd do differently. - 2
Relish the World: Notable Caf\u00e9s You Really want to Attempt - 3
Here's how 'Bridgerton' fans can watch the first episode of Season 4 before its Netflix release later this month - 4
How Mars' ancient lakes grew shields of ice to stay warm as the Red Planet froze - 5
Lahav 433 head Asst.-Ch. Meni Benjamin named as police officer investigated for breach of trust
Do you lean your seat back on the plane? These travel pros — and real-life couple — won't do it.
What's your biological age? Experts explain the benefits and risks of at-home tests
Most normal matter in the universe isn't found in planets, stars or galaxies – an astronomer explains where it's distributed
'Zootopia 2' movie reviews: A heartwarming, hysterical and earnest 'ode to community'
Firefighters rescue two Israelis trapped in vehicles on flooded roads in West Bank
Far-right German youth group delegates seek deportations, remigration
Surf Spot Mechanics: Bells Beach
Carnival fever hits Lagos as locals celebrate Afro-Brazilian heritage
New ‘Cloud-9’ object could reveal the secrets of dark matter











