SWR Kultur Feature SWR Kultur Feature

Breaking Dad – Xu Wei rettet sein Kind

Oct 9, 2026 · 53m

Summary

Zhu Wei, ein Vater ohne medizinische Ausbildung, entwickelt nach der Diagnose seines Sohnes mit dem tödlichen Menkes-Syndrom eigenständig Kupferpräparate, um dessen Leben zu retten. Nach viraler Berichterstattung arbeitet er mit Biotech-Experten zusammen, die dem Kind eine experimentelle Gentherapie verpassen, während Zhu Wei parallel in Laos eine legale Produktionslizenz für Generika anstrebt. Das Feature beleuchtet seine persönliche Odyssee, die Trennung von seiner Familie und die ethischen Grenzen, die er in seinem unermüdlichen Kampf gegen die Zeit und die Krankheit überwindet.

Topics discussed

Intro: The struggle of DIY medicine and the child's condition Zhu Wei's journey to Laos for a production license Hao Yang's birth, early symptoms, and family dynamics Receiving the Menkes Syndrome diagnosis during a drive Hospital explanation and the lack of available therapy Analyzing the genetic mutation and the 'text editing' idea Arrival in Vientiane and meeting the biopharmaceutical team Early research attempts and the decision to synthesize the drug Overcoming language barriers and studying complex science Divorce and the emotional weight of caring for Hao Yang alone Building a home lab in a storage room and family conflict Inspecting the ventilation system at the Laos production site Flashback: Zhu Wei's childhood truck accident and survival First self-administered injection and initial positive results Limitations of copper histidine and synthesis of copper eles clomol Media attention and messages from other affected families Government intervention and the need for legal compliance Collaboration with Vector Builder and Bruce Lan Accelerated gene therapy trial and injection on Hao Yang's birthday Assessing the outcome of gene therapy and ongoing copper needs School enrollment struggles for Zhu Wei's daughter Helping another Menkes case in Guizhou via remote guidance FDA approval of Zykuvo and the patent issue in China The failed license inspection at the Lao Ministry of Health Moving to a modern lab and the goal of cell therapy Personal philosophy, loneliness, and finding meaning in work Reconciliation with ex-wife and the symbolic Hongbao Philosophical reflections on Tao Te Ching and Hao Yang's smile Outro and credits
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