Inborn Errors of Metabolism: the Search for Alternate Treatments Goes On

From the Fall 1999 issue of National PKU News

A "cure" for PKU and other inborn errors of metabolism is a dream for all of us—families, professionals, and researchers alike. We have great hopes and expectations that one day, in the not-too-distant future, it will be possible for these genetic errors to be "fixed" by scientific technology. We long for the day when we will never again have to struggle with the challenges of managing a special diet and all of the other aspects of treatment. Oh, for a "magic bullet," a pill, an injection! What progress is being made toward fulfilling our collective yearning? Here are two reports on research being done to that end. Despite the rarity of inborn errors of metabolism, fortunately there are scientists who are deeply interested in finding alternatives to the imperfect and difficult diets we have to manage. As you will see, there still are many obstacles yet to overcome. We can continue to be optimistic, but need to temper our optimism with the knowledge that alternatives to diet are probably not "around the corner," but rather some years away.