According to a BBC report, Oliver Chu from California became the first person in the world to receive a special gene therapy against a rare hereditary disease called Hunter syndrome (MPS II). This disease usually leads to irreversible changes in a child's body and brain, and in severe cases, patients die before the age of 20.
Due to a genetic defect, Oliver was unable to produce the enzyme necessary for keeping cells healthy. Specialists in Manchester used gene therapy to alter his cells in an effort to stop the progression of the disease.
Professor Simon Jones, who led the trial, told the BBC: "I have been waiting for this result for 20 years. Oliver's development being this good is a real joy."
After a year of treatment, doctors and his parents are very pleased that Oliver is now developing normally. His mother, Jingru, said: "When I talk about it, tears come to my eyes. It's a real miracle."
Oliver is one of the first five children in the world to receive this therapy. Specialists emphasize that his results could open a door of hope for thousands of children diagnosed with this condition in the future.
