Subscribe now

Health

How new fetal therapies are treating genetic conditions in the womb

A genetic condition that sees children develop almost no teeth or sweat glands can now be treated by injecting a protein into the amniotic fluid, in just one of a number of new therapies that act before a child is even born

By Clare Wilson

26 June 2023

Twin boys who received intrauterine protein therapy for ectodermal dysplasia

University Hospital Erlangen

A new wave of medical treatments are being used to re-engineer fetal bodies, countering the effects of serious genetic conditions before a child is even born. In a landmark result, several children have been treated for a condition that causes almost no sweat glands or teeth to develop. The innovative “intrauterine protein therapy” partially restored these missing body parts, the first example of any drug treatment building new anatomical structures before birth.

The approach is a twist on the kind of…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 2nd of July 2024.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account