Hi Meredith, I think that is a great question! Research of any sort is great, but I also think it is important to ask what the goals of a specific research project are and whether those goals are worthy or realistic. Otherwise, it is like pouring money into an ever-deepening money pit. With funding and resources so limited, I think it is especially important to know how money is being spent when we donate. In my opinion, all research is not created equal.

I am certainly not familiar with all the different research projects that currently being done on CAH, but some focus on finding new drugs and treatments; others on the social and psychological impact of having CAH; others on understanding other physical problems that may be associated with CAH; still others on finding a cure.; etc.,etc.

You are right that, at this time, it is not possible to re-create the enzyme(s) that is/are missing in those with CAH. These types of enzymes occur within the cells, so replacing them would essentially mean being able to successfully manipulate the DNA within the cells--in other words, gene therapy. If that were possible, then one could indeed be "cured" of CAH. There have certainly been a lot of exciting developments in the field of genetic engineering, but--in my opinion--gene therapy is still a ways off for CAH.