STAT+: Can ultrasound unlock the power of gene therapy? A startup makes big claims

STAT PlusBiotech Can ultrasound unlock the power of gene therapy? A startup makes big claims Approach is touted for its potential in Duchenne and other diseases — but not everyone is convinced Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Jason MastJuly 17, 2026 General Assignment Reporter Jason Mast[email protected]Jason is a general assignment reporter, with particular focus on genetic medicine and rare disease. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at JasonMast.77. For the last year, a small California startup has been making extraordinary claims about the ability of its technology to potentially treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy — and maybe a slew of other genetic diseases, too. The company, Sonothera, does not yet have clinical data. But it’s presented data in animals so stunning that other experts can’t quite wrap their minds around it.Advertisement “I find it hard to believe,” said Eric Olson, molecular biology chair at UT-Southwestern Medical Center. “It seems a bit too good to be true,” said Jeffrey Chamberlain, a longtime Duchenne gene therapy expert at the University of Washington. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily coverage and analysis of the biotech sector — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In biotechnology, gene editing, Gene therapy, rare diseases, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Jason Mast General Assignment Reporter Jason is a general assignment reporter, with particular focus on genetic medicine and rare disease. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at JasonMast.77. Newsletter Understand how science, health policy, and medicine shape the world every day Recommended The Readout July 16, 2026 STAT Plus: FDA approves Merck’s oral PCSK9 drug, a first Pharma July 16, 2026 STAT Plus: Kalshi comes for biopharma, with prediction markets for clinical trials and FDA approvals Advertisement Biotech July 16, 2026 STAT Plus: Eli Lilly to acquire psychedelics-focused biotech AtaiBeckley Adam's Biotech Scorecard July 16, 2026 STAT Plus: Amylyx nears pivotal endocrine drug study readout First Opinion July 16, 2026 The growing fang-to-pharmacy pipeline Subscriber Picks