First Indiana hospital administers gene infusion therapy for those with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Indianapolis, Indiana – The Riley Hospital for Children is the first hospital in Indiana to offer gene infusion treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, according to hospital officials.

According to a hospital press statement, the treatment was administered for the first time on October 23 to a 5-year-old resident of northern Indiana. Duchenne muscular dystrophy, according to officials, is a serious genetic illness that can affect an individual’s mobility, independence, and general quality of life.

“We are honored to be the first children’s hospital in Indiana to provide gene infusion therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy,” Riley Children’s Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mara Nitu said in the release. “Our mission has always been to provide the best possible care to the patients and families we serve. Being able to offer this therapy underscores our commitment to giving our patients a chance at a brighter future.”

According to officials, this treatment offers a “ray of hope” for the families and children who suffer from Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

“In clinical trials it improved both the amount of dystrophin protein in their muscles and their motor function, while untreated children declined,” Dr. Larry Walsh, a pediatric neurologist with Riley Children’s Hospital, said in the release. “The long-term outlook is still unknown, but anything we can do to preserve or improve function in children affected with DMD gives us reason for optimism.”