How AI helped treat a newborn’s ultra rare disease. ‘It was almost like a light switch.’

Summary: When Jorie was born, her muscles and breathing didn't work right due to a super rare genetic disease. Her parents were terrified she might not survive. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic decided to try something new: they used an artificial intelligence tool to search through massive medical databases for a cure.

The AI found a surprise match! It suggested Klonopin, a common muscle relaxer usually used for panic attacks. The results were amazing. Her mom said it was like flipping a light switch. Now almost three years old, Jorie is walking, playing, and planning her birthday party. Her parents even started a group called "The Jorie Effect" to help other families, and the same AI-discovered treatment is already helping other kids with the same condition learn to speak.

Source: statnews-2 URL: statnews.com/2026/05/19/ai-helped-find-treatment-newborn-ultra-rare-disease/?utm_campaign=rss (opens in new tab)