Today the judge presiding over the Charlie Gard hearing ruled that American neurologist Dr Michio Hirano will be allowed to examine Charlie.
Yesterday, Dr Hirano gave evidence via video link saying he was willing to come to the UK to assess Charlie’s condition.
Dr Hirano who works at Columbia University Medical Centre in New York has developed an experimental therapy that he believes may be able to slow down the progress of Charlie’s rare genetic condition.
He claimed there was a ten percent chance Charlie’s muscle strength could improve and a “small but significant chance” his brain function could if he were to receive the experimental neucleoside therapy in America, according to The Mirror.
Based on trials carried out on mice, the doctor told the High Court there was a chance of “between 11 per cent and 56 per cent” of “clinically meaningful improvement” in the seriously ill 11-month-old. However, he added the disease could not be "fixed or cured."
BREAKING: British Judge Will Allow U.S. Doctor To Examine Charlie Gard https://t.co/ZIBV548GDe pic.twitter.com/wcUuflQubK
— The Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) July 14, 2017
During lab tests on mice, he claimed he had found his therapy had slowed down the progression of Charlie’s deadly disease, mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome (MDDS).
The therapy has never been tested on someone with Charlie’s illness which affects his brain, however, Dr Hirano says he saw improvements in patients with a similar type of MDDS that affects the muscles during human trials.
Dr Hirano is due to visit Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) on Monday and Tuesday to examine Charlie and discuss his condition with the specialists there.
After some discussion in court today, it was agreed Charlie’s mother Connie Yates would be allowed attend the clinician’s meeting also.
Initially, lawyers for GOSH argued that it could be difficult for clinicians to “speak freely” if she were to attend, however, Connie’s lawyer argued she had a right to be there, according to The Mail Online.
Earlier today, Charlie’s family condemned threats of violence towards the doctors at GOSH and the judiciary after it was revealed death threats towards GOSH doctors had been posted online.
Family spokesman Alasdair Seton-Marsden said they were aware of “certain threats” against the judiciary, barristers representing Great Ormond Street, and against doctors and nurses at the hospital.
He said: “We absolutely abhor any suggestion of any threats or intimidation against members of the judiciary, legal profession or medical profession.”
Mr Justice Francis is expected to make a final ruling on July 25 on whether Charlie should be allowed travel to the US for the specialist treatment.
