An obstacle researchers have encountered with gene therapy is a tendency for the immune system to reject the inserted material. Karpati's current research specifically addresses this problem. We have definitely narrowed our field of view and that is something valuable. While Lawrence's son is able to walk, drive a car, and his speech remains unimpaired, the disorder has forced enormous changes on him. There is further good news in that generally research is now being carried out within an ever more collaborative world scientific community.
Group work is also fast replacing the tradition of the individual scientist working in isolation.
Those who conduct research are very dedicated individuals and I'm hopeful that they will eventually overcome the last obstacle and present us with a very great gift. He is currently a member of the Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee of the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada.