Urban's mother: We've been dreaming about this for years.
The article discusses the progress made by seven-year-old Urban Miroševič after receiving the first-ever gene therapy for his rare condition, CTNNB1 syndrome. His mother, Dr. Špela Miroševič, shared updates on his development over seven months since treatment, highlighting milestones such as walking independently, speaking his first words, and navigating stairs. The therapy was developed through the foundation CTNNB1, which was established at her initiative. While Urban still has significant disabilities, his improvements have brought hope to his family. The article also mentions ongoing fundraising efforts to support another child, Lora, who requires similar treatment for a different genetic disorder.
Ten-year-old Jaka Škof has received long-awaited gene therapy in the United States after his family raised over two million euros through a nationwide fundraising campaign. The treatment, which targets Duchenne muscular dystrophy, marks a major milestone for the young boy who has been battling the rare genetic disorder for years. His family announced the successful procedure on their official social media page, expressing gratitude to all who contributed to the effort. The journey began nearly a year ago when Jaka’s parents, Katja and her partner, decided to seek treatment abroad after learning that gene therapy was available in the US but not yet approved in Europe. They turned to the humanitarian organization “Srčni lev” (Heart of the People) to launch a fundraising initiative aimed at securing the necessary funds for Jaka’s care. Over time, the campaign gained widespread support, with contributions coming from individuals, businesses, schools, and community groups across Slovenia. By late May, they had collected 96 percent of the required amount, approximately 2.4 million euros, and finalized the funding just days later. On July 17, 2026, Jaka’s family shared an emotional update confirming that he had arrived at the hospital in Orlando, Florida, where he would receive the groundbreaking treatment. According to the family, Jaka had already begun the infusion process earlier that day, and his condition showed promising signs. In a video posted online, Jaka expressed his happiness, saying, “I’m very happy that you helped me. The infusion is already running.” This moment, which had seemed distant for months, finally came to pass thanks to the collective efforts of thousands of supporters. The decision to pursue this treatment was based on extensive research and consultations with medical experts. It was revealed that the gene therapy, known as Elevidys, had already been successfully used in treating children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in the US. However, approval for its use in Europe remained pending until recent changes in eligibility criteria allowed patients who could still walk independently to qualify for the treatment. Jaka met these requirements, making him a suitable candidate for the procedure. The success of Jaka’s case has sparked renewed hope among families affected by similar conditions. Meanwhile, another story of progress emerged from Slovenia, where seven-year-old Urban Miroševič became the first child globally to receive a gene therapy for CTNNB1 syndrome. His mother, Dr. Špela Miroševič, described how the past seven months since the treatment have brought profound changes to their lives. Urban, once severely limited in mobility, has made remarkable strides, including walking independently for the first time and communicating more effectively with his family. Dr. Miroševič shared that Urban has achieved numerous milestones, such as saying the word “mom” for the first time and navigating stairs without assistance. These small victories have filled the family with immense joy and renewed faith in the potential of gene therapy. She emphasized that while Urban still requires ongoing care due to his condition, the improvements have been life-changing. “We’ve dreamed of this for many years,” she wrote, adding that the ability for Urban to sleep through the night for eleven hours is one of the most meaningful changes. The success of both cases highlights the growing impact of gene therapy in treating rare genetic disorders. While Jaka’s treatment represents a new chapter in the fight against Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Urban’s journey underscores the broader possibilities of such interventions. Both families continue to advocate for further research and access to advanced treatments, emphasizing the importance of community support and international collaboration in advancing medical science. As these stories unfold, they offer a glimpse into the future of personalized medicine and the power of collective action in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges.
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How each side covered it
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The article discusses the progress made by seven-year-old Urban Miroševič after receiving the first-ever gene therapy for his rare condition, CTNNB1 syndrome. His mother, Dr. Špela Miroševič, shared updates on his development over seven months since treatment, highlighting milestones such as walking independently, speaking his first words, and navigating stairs. The therapy was developed through the foundation CTNNB1, which was established at her initiative. While Urban still has significant disabilities, his improvements have brought hope to his family. The article also mentions ongoing fundraising efforts to support another child, Lora, who requires similar treatment for a different genetic disorder.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a medical breakthrough and personal family journey rather than political ideology or partisan debate. It emphasizes the emotional impact of scientific advancement and community support, presenting a balanced narrative without overt ideological slant. The framing remains centri
Why factuality (90): The article accurately describes the CTNNB1 Foundation, its establishment, and its role in developing Urbagen, a gene therapy named after Urban Miroševič. It aligns closely with the primary source document regarding the foundation's mission, timeline, and the significance of the treatment.
Why objectivity (85): The tone is respectful and focused on the progress made by Urban and his family. While it highlights the positive outcomes of the treatment, it remains relatively neutral and avoids overtly emotional or biased language, maintaining a balanced perspective.
DnevnikIndependent🔒CenterFactual 60Objective 503 days ago
A 10-year-old boy named Jaka, who suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, has received treatment in the United States after his family raised over 2.5 million euros through a fundraising campaign organized by the humanitarian organization 'Srčni lev' (Heart Lion). The treatment, which is not yet approved in Europe, was made possible after extensive efforts by Jaka’s family, schoolmates, teachers, and various organizations. His family announced that he successfully underwent testing and was deemed eligible for the treatment at a hospital in Orlando, Florida. Jaka expressed gratitude for the support, stating that the infusion therapy had already begun.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the fundraising effort and medical journey of Jaka, focusing on the community support and the medical process without overtly favoring any political ideology. While the issue of healthcare access and funding is inherently political, the tone remains neutral
Why factuality (60): The article discusses Jaka Škof receiving treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which is unrelated to the CTNNB1 Foundation mentioned in the primary document. While some details about fundraising and treatment may be accurate, there is no mention of the CTNNB1 Foundation or Urban Miroševič, mak
Why objectivity (50): The tone is highly emotional and celebratory, using phrases like 'nigoli ne bomo pozabili' and emphasizing gratitude toward the public. This creates a biased, overly positive portrayal of the situation without presenting any counterpoints or objective analysis.
24ur (POP TV)IndependentCenterFactual 50Objective 553 days ago
A 10-year-old boy named Jaka Škof from the United States has received long-awaited genetic treatment for his rare inherited disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The treatment was obtained after his family raised two and a half million euros. Jaka feels well and hopes the treatment will help him live without pain.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a medical breakthrough for a child with a rare disease, emphasizing the family's fundraising effort and the positive outcome of the treatment. There is no overt political framing or ideological slant in the narrative. The tone remains neutral, focusing on the personal story of
Why factuality (50): The article mentions Jaka Škof receiving gene therapy in the US but does not connect him to the CTNNB1 Foundation or Urban Miroševič. There is no direct reference to the primary source document, and the information presented appears to be about a different individual and condition altogether.
Why objectivity (55): The tone is generally positive and supportive of Jaka Škof, focusing on his recovery and the success of the treatment. However, it lacks neutrality by emphasizing the emotional impact of the treatment without providing broader context or alternative perspectives.
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