News Genetics

The first gene therapy for muscular dystrophy has been approved for some kids

The Food and Drug Administration cleared the therapy for use in 4- and 5-year-olds, for now

A photo of a sign for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first gene therapy for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a genetic disease that causes muscles to degenerate, eventually leading to death.

Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images

By Tina Hesman Saey

Updated

The first gene therapy for children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy has been approved by the U.S.