ABQ Times

The University of New Mexico Children’s Hospital has facilitated a significant medical advancement for two young brothers diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). The boys, aged 10 and 12, became the first in New Mexico to receive Elevidys, a gene replacement therapy that aims to slow the progression of their condition.

Aaron Haslam, the boys' father, expressed his excitement about the treatment: “It feels like Christmas morning,” he said. Their mother, Danielle Haslam, shared her confidence in the procedure: “We’re feeling very comfortable and confident about this.”

The treatment was administered by Dr. Meeta Cardon, a child neurologist and pediatric neuromuscular specialist at UNM Children’s Hospital. She described it as "groundbreaking" and explained its significance: “Today, we're excited that we have an opportunity to provide groundbreaking treatment for these patients at UNM Children’s Hospital. It is a gene replacement therapy.”

The journey leading up to this moment began ten years ago when their eldest son showed signs of motor skill difficulties. A blood test confirmed DMD, which causes progressive muscle degeneration. Danielle Haslam recalled the initial diagnosis as overwhelming but noted that research became integral to their hope.

In June 2024, the FDA expanded approval of Elevidys for children four years and older. Although not a cure, it offers hope by potentially slowing muscular degeneration.

Dr. Cardon emphasized the importance of this development: “This treatment has been long anticipated... This is the first gene replacement therapy that we've had available for DMD.”

UNM Hospital played a crucial role by covering over $6 million for the treatment cost upfront so that the boys could receive it without delay. Mike Chicarelli, Chief Operating Officer at UNM Hospital, stated: “The decision was actually quite easy because this is the right thing to do for these patients."

Danielle Haslam praised UNM Hospital's support throughout the process: “UNM Hospital has been fantastic... They handled all of that.”

On September 18, 2024, both brothers received their infusion at UNM Children’s Hospital. Dr. Cardon anticipates initial flu-like symptoms but expects improvement soon after: “Our hope is that within the next week or two... we’re seeing at least stabilization of their strength.”

Aaron Haslam expressed relief following the treatment: "It's extra hope... in terms of what they can do and engage in throughout their lives." Meanwhile, Danielle hopes her sons can now dream freely about their futures.

Chicarelli highlighted community support as essential in enabling such treatments: “When the community invests in a place like UNM Hospital... we're able to provide cutting-edge care available.”