The Race Against Time: Hope, Despair, and Gene Therapy

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This chapter chronicles Uditi Saraf's battle with the rare genetic condition Fenib and the frantic efforts of researchers to create a CRISPR-based gene therapy for her. It highlights the emotional turmoil experienced by Uditi's family and the scientific community as they confront the harsh realities of time and the pursuit of innovative medical solutions.

In India, a group of researchers raced to develop a CRISPR-based genome editing therapy to save the life of a young woman with a rare neurodegenerative disease. Despite a valiant effort, the pace of research was ultimately too slow to save her life. While many are convinced that these therapies could offer hope to those with overlooked genetic conditions, it will likely take years to develop the techniques needed to quickly create bespoke treatments, something people in need don't have.

This is an audio version of our Feature: Hope, despair and CRISPR — the race to save one woman’s life

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