Born Small
A new drug may change everything for the dwarfism community
In Australia, researchers are leading a drug trial that aims to boost growth in children who have been born with a form of dwarfism. But for some people of short stature, this drug poses the risk of eradicating their community.
Achondroplasia is a type of dwarfism which stunts growth, and can lead to health problems. Now, a new drug has been developed to treat the condition. 'This medication takes off the handbrake so bone growth can resume', explains a doctor involved in the drug trials. Casper is one of the children taking part in trials: 'the decision to become part of the trial wasn't aesthetic or cosmetic for me. I love Casper the way he is. My decision was rooted in avoiding health complications', explains Casper's mother. Yet some believe the drug will contribute to stigma. 'I hate to say this, but I'm almost glad that I may not be alive if the drug becomes popular, because there may be no dwarfism community anymore', says Becky, a woman with dwarfism.
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