Experimental treatment for variant CJD has been given to a young Belfast man. If successful, the controversial procedure could slow the onslaught of the condition and earn more time for further treatment to be developed.
Mr Jonathan Simms (18), has received injections of pentosan polysulphate directly into his brain by unnamed doctors at a secret location in Northern Ireland. Details have been withheld on order of the High Court.
Intravenous injections are unsuitable as the active ingredient is unable to pass through blood vessels. Initial reports say the treatment has gone well.
Pentosan polysulphate has only received limited testing in animals. It is hoped that 12 infusions, with gradually increasing doses, can be given. It will be some time before the full effects of the treatment are assessed.
Mr Don Simms, the patient's father, who had to win legal clearance for the treatment to go ahead, told the BBC that the treatment was Jonathan's only chance.
"We're relieved to some degree that we are here, but at the same time we are quite frightened because we are stepping into the unknown," he said.
Mr Simms said there was still real hope that the drug might be able to slow the rate of progress of his son's illness.
"I don't like the word 'guinea pig'," he said. "It's an experimental treatment but it's not experiment for experiment's sake."