Experts split over Huidagene’s gene-editing approach after boy’s death in Duchenne trial

A young boy died while participating in Huidagene’s gene‑editing trial for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, raising serious questions about the company’s experimental strategy.

STAT+ reviewed video of a presentation given by Huidagene’s former CEO at a major gene‑therapy conference three months before the fatal incident. Several gene‑editing and muscle‑disorder experts were asked to assess the data and methodology shown.

The experts were sharply divided. Some said the approach was not unreasonable to try, while others described the data as poor quality and expressed dismay at the trial’s execution.