In this Oct. 4, 2017 photo, Dr. Albert Maguire checks the eyes of Misa Kaabali, 8, at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Misa was 4 years old when he received his gene therapy treatment. AP

A US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee just gave a critical recommendation for a cutting-edge gene therapy.

The treatment, called Luxturna, treats Leber congenital amaurosis, a hereditary form of blindness. It's been tested in people with the condition who specifically have a faulty RPE65 gene.

On Thursday, an FDA advisory committee panel voted 16-0 to recommend the drug for approval.

The FDA can take the panel's recommendation into consideration but doesn't necessarily rule the same way. The company is expected to get a decision from the FDA by January.

Here's what you need to know about the drug: