Gene therapy allows teen to see snowflakes for the first time

OHSU Casey Eye Institute part of clinical trial evaluating potential treatment for inherited blindness

By Franny White April 05, 2023 Walla Walla, Washington

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Video Download - Paul Yang, M.D., Ph.D., on Gene Therapy for Inherited Blindness

Eliza Van De Rostyne recorded this video with her phone when her daughter, Aiden Moore-Van De Rostyne, 16, of Walla Walla, Washington, unexpectedly saw snowflakes for the first time in January 2023. Aiden was born legally blind because of a GUYCY2D gene mutation, and received an experimental gene therapy in April 2022 as a clinical trial participant at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon. Aiden is one of the first 15 people in the United States to receive Atsena Therapeutics’ ATSN-101 experimental treatment for Leber congenital amaurosis. (Courtesy of Eliza Van De Rostyne)

Paul Yang, M.D., Ph.D. (OHSU)

Gene therapy trial participant Aiden Moore-Van De Rostyne

Aiden Moore-Van De Rostyne, 16, of Walla Walla, Washington, plays with her 6-year-old brother Benson Moore. Aiden was born legally blind because of a gene mutation and is now participating in a clinical trial for an experimental gene therapy that is designed to provide a working copy of the mutated gene. (Courtesy)

Gene therapy trial participant Aiden Moore-Van De Rostyne

Aiden Moore-Van De Rostyne, 16, of Walla Walla, Washington, with her mother, Eliza Van De Rostyne. (Courtesy of Eliza Van De Rostyne)

Gene therapy trial participant Aiden Moore-Van De Rostyne

Aiden Moore-Van De Rostyne, 16, of Walla Walla, Washington, wears the uniform of her high school marching band, of which she is a member. Born legally blind, Aiden is sensitive to bright lights and often wears sunglasses when outdoors. (Courtesy)