California boy, 3, receives first-ever gene therapy for his rare disease

A California toddler is the first person in the world to receive gene therapy to treat his devastating disease.

Three-year-old Oliver Chu was born with a rare, genetic condition called Hunter syndrome.

Also known as mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II), Hunter syndrome is a disorder where the body cannot break down specific sugar molecules.

As these molecules accumulate in organs and tissues, they can cause progressive damage that affects the child’s physical and mental development.

Researchers at the University of Manchester in the UK have spent more than 15 years develo ping a gene therapy for Hunter syndrome.

Now, a team at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital has seemingly stalled the disease by altering Oliver’s cells.

Oliver is the first of five boys in the world to recei