by 
Making Gene Therapy History
There's now an FDA-approved gene therapy drug for inherited blindness. Meet the first patient in the United States to receive it, Jack Hogan, and his care team from Mass. Eye and Ear.
Two Months After Gene Therapy, Jack Sees Brighter, More Clearly
Jack was born with an eye condition known as retinitis pigmentosa associated with RPE65 gene mutations. Two months ago, he was treated with a newly FDA-approved gene therapy drug known as Luxturna — and the results are life-changing.
“Mom, that was the best day ever,” Jack Hogan said when he noticed he could see the whiteboard in his classroom for the very first time without his visual aid.
In March, a Mass. Eye and Ear team led by Jason Comander, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Director of the Inherited Retinal Disorders Service, made history by performing the first FDA-approved gene therapy administration for any inherited disease. Their patient, 13-year-old Jack, has had retinitis pigmentosa associated with RPE65 gene mutations since birth. This degenerative disorder has caused Jack to struggle to see at night and with his peripheral vision. Some patients with Jack’s condition go blind by their 20s or 30s.
Last week, just two months after surgery, Jack came back to Mass. Eye and Ear for some vision testing — and the results were remarkable.
“It is truly amazing to see large improvements in Jack’s vision, which would have been impossible without this treatment,” said Dr. Comander.
Jack can now see in light that is six times dimmer, and he can read fine print that is 40 percent smaller. His visual acuity in the left eye improved from 20/100 before surgery to 20/70 after. His visual acuity in the right eye is stable at 20/80.
“These results are representative of just how big a moment this is for gene therapy. It is helping our patients, and it is here to stay,” added Dr. Comander.
A Life More in Focus
The groundbreaking treatment, commercially known as “Luxturna,” has already made a significant impact on Jack’s daily life.
“He really is a different kid,” said Jack’s mother, Jeanette. “He’s doing his homework on his own. Before, he was always struggling, because he couldn’t see. A lot of the things that we take for granted he couldn’t do, and now he can, which is wonderful. That’s all we really wanted for him.”
In particular, Jack is seeing much better at night and in places with dim lighting — like movie theaters and restaurants. He can now play outside with friends after dark. “I’ve never ridden my bike at all at night, and now I can,” said Jack.
What’s Next for Jack?
Jack will be back at Mass. Eye and Ear for follow-up visits every few months to check in with Dr. Comander and his care team.
That said — Luxturna is designed as a one-time therapy. Our hope is that the treatment will last throughout Jack’s lifetime.
For more on Jack’s story, watch the video above (download transcript), which was filmed at his recent follow-up visit.
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marianela pitz
Good Morning
My name Marianela
I am 48 years old, I would like to know if I could have some way to improve my vision because I suffer from astigmatism and myopia, and I feel that my vision advances every time, I currently use contact lenses, you are my hope to not lose my vision.
thank you
Suzanne Day
Marianela, thank you for reading. Please follow up with your doctor about this.
Deb C.
Bravo to both the Dr., his team and especially his brave patient.
Suzanne Day
Thanks, Deb!
Jessica Rodríguez Ramìrez
Buenas tardes, tengo una hija de casi 3 años que padece esta misma enfermedad de Jack, somos de Costa Rica y no tenemos mucha información al respecto, me podrían ayudar por favor!
Suzanne Day
Jessica, thank you for your comment. Please see this link for information for international patients at Mass. Eye and Ear.
Andie K
Hello,
Thanks for the article.
Are there any resources or forums to discuss between patients being treated with Luxturna? I find a lot of financial or scientific articles, but very few testimonials from patients (or their family)
Thanks
Suzanne Day
Hi Andie, we will continue to share stories like Jack’s here on Focus, so stay tuned. Additionally, the company that developed Luxturna has a website with patient stories that may be worth checking out. Best wishes.
Jan
This story is amazing. I have a sibling with progressed RP and over 50 yrs old -are there any gene therapy surgery /treatment options for that stage of progression? And, does the surgery slow the progression or stop it?
Thank you,
Bob Tarrant
Do you guys have other clinical trials for humans with other RP gene mutations?
Carolyn Wood
I am 65 years old, I have RP. I noticed my vision getting worse all the time. I would love to speak to someone to see if there is any hope for me to improve my vision. I also have two brothers with the same condition except one of them was born deaf . Would appreciate your help