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Lito Sousa diagnosed with rare Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
Brazilian aviation influencer Lito Sousa has been diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), a rare and fatal neurodegenerative condition caused by infectious proteins known as prions. The disease causes rapid cognitive decline, loss of motor functions, and vision impairment.
Following the diagnosis, Sousa's wife, Mila Seidl, and his followers have launched a social media campaign to secure his participation in clinical trials. The family is seeking access to experimental treatments, including the drug ION717 being developed by Ionis Pharmaceuticals, which aims to reduce the production of the prion protein. While Ionis has reported encouraging safety signals, the company stated it is not currently accepting new patients for the study.
The family is also attempting to secure a spot in research studies conducted by Harvard University and the Broad Institute. Amidst the mobilization, the influencer's team has issued a warning regarding fraudulent online fundraising campaigns, clarifying that no official crowdfunding is being conducted.
Entities
Aviões e Músicas · Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease · Harvard University · Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein · Ionis Pharmaceuticals · Lito Sousa · Mila Seidl · Ministry of Health