The Download: the first personalized gene-editing drug, and Montana’s Right to Try experiment
technologyreview.comPublished: 5/16/2025
Summary
Doctors successfully created a specialized gene-editing treatment for Kyle “KJ” Muldoon Jr., who suffers from a rare metabolic condition. This groundbreaking approach, completed in under seven months, marks the first time gene editing has been used to treat an individual specifically, showcasing both precision and potential challenges as costs may deter widespread use. Montana has passed a bill making experimental medical treatments more accessible, potentially turning the state into a hub for such innovations. However, this move risks moving away from traditional evidence-based medicine, which prioritizes proven solutions over unproven experimental therapies.