Treatment is gene-ius for Andy

Boy, 9, living best life after Great Ormond Street clinical trial as tot

- BY BAIRBRE HOLMES

A BOY from Portlaoise who was part of a “landmark” medical study has experienced “life-changing” results.

Nine-year-old Andy Cash was diagnosed with Adenosine deaminase deficient severe combined immunodeficiency, a rare life-threatening condition, when he was just three weeks old.

The disease is caused by mutations in the gene that creates an enzyme essential to the immune system, left untreated, it can be fatal within the first two years of life.

Children with ADA-SCID have no immune system, meaning everyday activities like going to school or playing with friends can lead to dangerous infections.

Andy’s mum Mary told how after he was diagnosed he had to be kept in isolation to keep him safe.