This is an audio-described version of the story. The original version is available here:
https://youtu.be/I4TCmJGpxSEDuchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is one of the most severe types of muscular dystrophy. The genetic disorder weakens all muscles in the body, including the heart and lungs. This can lead to heart and breathing problems, as well as early death.
The drug Elevidys is seen as a breakthrough because it seeks to treat the root cause of DMD, and not just the symptoms. Now, a new clinical trial begins at UC Davis Health for patients as young as two.
"John-John's Journey" chronicles one family's urgent trek across the globe, from Taiwan to California, to enroll their toddler in this gene replacement therapy clinical trial. UC Davis is one of the primary sites for the Elevidys trial. It’s being led by Craig McDonald, professor and chair of the UC Davis Health Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The new trial will administer a one-time infusion that will hopefully halt the progression of this deadly disease for John-John.