Boy, 9, doubles growth rate thanks to breakthrough ‘dwarfism’ drug
SAM Short grew twice as fast after receiving a breakthrough “fertiliser” drug in a clinical trial.
The boy, nine, is now completing triathlons after his legs grew long enough to reach his bike pedals.
He grew 6cm after a year of daily growth-boosting jabs – double the 3cm gained the previous year.
Sam, from Fulham, West London, has achondroplasia, which is also known as dwarfism.
The condition is caused by a gene mutation which means that bones do not grow properly.
This can lead to other health issues including developmental delay, sleep problems and chronic pain.
Sam, who stands 110cm tall, is being treated at Evelina London Children’s Hospital.
Mum Jenn Short, 44, said: “The trial has been completely life-changing for Sam.
“He can now stand straighter and is growing at a faster rate.
“Sam can now link his hands over his head, tie his shoe laces and ride a bike.
“His feet weren’t able to touch the pedals before.”
Sam, who also plays hockey and cricket, raised £4,000 for Evelina by taking part in a mini triathlon.
He swam 200m, cycled 3k and ran 1.2k in his local swimming pool and park.
Jenn added: “I’m so proud of Sam. He really tested himself to the limit by doing the triathlon.”
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A global trial found the drug vosoritide increased kids’ growth rate by an average of 50 per cent.
Dr Melita Irving, who is leading the UK arm of the trial, described Sam as “very inspirational”.
She added: “The aim of this study was to reduce the serious complications of achondroplasia, which can be far reaching and can really affect patients’ quality of life.
“Being able to help prevent these complications means that children like Sam will be less likely to need interventions like surgery, which is a really fantastic result.”
The trial findings are published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
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