7-year-old Josh Hardy improving on experimental drug
DURHAM (WTVD) -- The family of a 7-year-old who was at the center of a social media campaign to get him an experimental drug says he's improving.
Strangers rallied around Josh Hardy on Facebook earlier this month when his doctors said the drug called Brincidofovir - manufactured by the Durham drug company Chimerix - was likely the only cure for a life-threatening virus Josh contracted after a bone marrow transplant.
Hardy's doctors made a "compassionate use" request to Chimerix - as the drug has yet to be approved for use by the FDA. The company initially declined, but then had a change of heart - announcing a pilot program for the drug that includes Josh.
Now, Hardy's family says the Virginia first grader is on his way to making a full recovery.
"We have gone from dire circumstances to discussing with our doctors what we need to do to get Josh discharged from the hospital," said Hardy's mom Aimee. "We are so grateful that the company was able to find a way for Josh to receive the medicine. We witnessed an absolute miracle by the grace of God."
Josh was moved out of ICU Tuesday. He is being cared for in a regular hospital room at St. Jude Children's Hospital.
Aimee Hardy said after just four doses of Brincidofovir, the virus in Josh's body is barely detectable.
