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Personalized gene editing saved a baby, but the tech’s future is uncertain

Costs, government regulation and lack of know-how could hinder wider use of the CRISPR tech

A smiling baby who got a personalized gene therapy is sitting in a multi-colored striped bouncy seat is surrounded by three siblings. A girl with long red hair and purple bows smiles at the camera on the left. A boy in a blue shirt watches as a girl with long blonde hair held back by a blue bow offers the baby a stuffed toy.

Thanks to a gene therapy designed just for him, KJ Muldoon (center) may soon leave the hospital to join his siblings (pictured) at home.

CHOP

By Tina Hesman Saey

Updated

Editor’s note: On June 3, 2025, KJ Muldoon was discharged from the hospital and is now at home with his family.