The day of the diagnosis of this extremely rare genetic disease called infantile hypophosphatasia, of which the baby is the only case in India was devastating to the parents.
“This metabolic disorder is caused by a genetic mutation that prevents her body from producing the enzyme ALPL, which is essential for the baby to absorb the calcium.”
They were informed the only treatment available is enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) which is given lifelong. They managed to get the expensive medication only after five months.
After writing to two researchers in the US, Michael found out that AstraZeneca, the pharmaceutical titan behind the precious drug, is on the cusp of a significant global trial.