Human gene therapy: first experiment approved
Article Abstract:
One goal of genetic engineering research has been to treat genetic disease by supplying normal genes to patients with gene defects. Researchers have now received approval from the Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to try this strategy for the very first time on human patients. Children with a deficiency in the enzyme adenosine deaminase (ADA) develop severe combined immunodeficiency. Though very rare, affecting at most 20 people worldwide, the disease is in some ways ideal for the first trial of genetic therapy. The trials, which should begin by the fall of 1990, are likely to mark the beginning of many more. There are presently four proposed trials before the committee, and it is likely that future proposals will not be subject to the line-by-line scrutiny given to the first. The approval of all these proposals is likely to be based upon successful gene transfer experiments conducted by Steven Rosenberg of the NIH. Rosenberg has isolated lymphocytes that have infiltrated the tumors of cancer patients. These tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, or TIL, were marked with a neomycin-resistance gene and were reinjected into the patients. The experiment was not designed with any therapeutic benefit in mind, but was performed to demonstrate that the techniques is safe. Now several genetic diseases might soon be experimentally treated by isolating lymphocytes from the affected patient, inserting the appropriate genetic material, and reinjecting the patient's own lymphocytes. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1990
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RAC defers to NIH director on some gene therapy cases
Article Abstract:
National Institutes of Health (NIH) director Bernadine Healy's approval of a use of gene therapy without the usual lengthy review process was endorsed by the NIH's Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee (RAC) in Jan 1993. Ordinarily, RAC approval is required for the use of unproven gene therapy. Healy agreed to set aside the usual protocol when it became clear that a patient's brain tumor could not be treated in any other way and that delay would endanger the patient's life.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1993
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Agricultural biotech moves into spotlight
Article Abstract:
The Flavr Savr genetically engineered tomato of Calgene, Inc will be introduced into the US market in 1993. If successful, it will launch a batch of genetically engineered foods. Crops resistant to herbicide treatment and insect attack will then be the engineering focus. New animal technologies have not met with a similarly avid reception, however.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1993
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