President Trump Celebrates Hearing Breakthrough for Young Boy

During a recent event at the White House, President Trump spoke about a remarkable story involving a 2-year-old boy named Travis Smith. Born deaf, Travis can now hear thanks to a groundbreaking treatment that his mother described as a “miracle.”

The president recounted how the child can now hear his mother, Sierra, express her love, urging her to speak to him. Sierra shared her joy, crediting Regeneron, the company behind the treatment.

“He didn’t know his name. He couldn’t hear me tell him how much I loved him,” she said. “And now, thanks to Regeneron and this amazing surgery, he can hear music, and he loves it. And he loves to dance.”

Regeneron announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given accelerated approval to their gene therapy product, Otalumeni.

Sierra expressed her gratitude, explaining that the treatment would be provided free to those who qualify in the U.S. However, she noted that there could be costs related to administering the therapy that are outside of Regeneron’s control.

The surgical procedure to administer Otalumeni is similar to cochlear implants and is suitable for young children, with requirements for trained surgeons to administer it safely, according to the company’s statement.

In addition to celebrating this breakthrough, President Trump also announced that Regeneron had committed to offering prescription drugs at significantly discounted prices, stating that many major pharmaceutical companies had agreed to sell their medicines in the U.S. at prices lower than those found elsewhere globally.