Human Gene Therapy Current Opportunities And Future Trends

Advances in genetics, molecular biology and gene delivery technologies in recent years have led to new gene therapy strategies for treatment of a variety of diseases. This book gives a comprehensive overview of the present status and future directions of gene delivery systems and therapeutic strategies for the clinical application of gene therapy in cancer, cardiovascular and central nervous system diseases. Stem cell-based therapies and gene expression regulatory systems as novel platform technologies for various gene therapy applications are also discussed. Leading experts give excellent overviews of basic molecular aspects and clinical applications in this new emerging biomedical field.

Vols. for 1963- include as pt. 2 of the Jan. issue: Medical subject headings.

As human gene therapy becomes a clinical reality, a new era in medicine dawns. Novel and innovative developments in molecular genetics now provide opportunities to treat the genetic bases of diseases often untreatable before. Somatic Gene Therapy documents these historical clinical trials, reviews current advances in the field, evaluates the use of the many different cell types and organs amenable to gene transfer, and examines the prospects of various exciting strategies for gene therapy.

Breakthroughs in biotechnology are redefining the very concept of life, transforming society and presenting unprecedented opportunities and challenges: Will human genome sequencing help to treat genetic diseases and indefinitely prolong life? Will stem cell therapy and tissue engineering allow routine regeneration and replacement of diseased organs? Can new diagnostic tests revolutionize medicine and healthcare? Will genetic engineering allow parents to design perfect babies? Can nature’s workshop inspire superior biomaterials that transform industries? Will genetically modified super crops feed a hungry world? With biotechnology set to be the driving force of the twenty-first century, mastery of the life sciences will be the key to wealth generation and economic ascendancy. Can the Arab World regain its past supremacy in these fields? Can it benefit from the biotech revolution while avoiding its perils? Such implications were debated by experts at the ECSSR Eighth Annual Conference titled Biotechnology and the Future of Society: Challenges and Opportunities, held from January 11-13, 2003 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This volume of conference presentations explores the broad impact of the biotech revolution, highlighting trends in healthcare and molecular medicine, the genetic revolution in agriculture, the future of materials production, new drug discovery technologies and national security issues, including the threat of bio-terrorism. It also examines the complex ethical, legal and social issues raised by the biotech revolution that need to be resolved by governments and decision makers.

From Research to Reality describes the stages involved in the approval and use of gene therapies in Canada, and examines challenges associated with regulatory oversight, manufacturing, access, and affordability, and identifies promising approaches to address them.

They start with the current techniques of gene addition, using non-reproductive (somatic) cells in an effort to cure or treat disease. Next they address the technical problems and moral issues facing attempts to prevent disease through genetically modifying early human embryos or sperm and egg cells. These changes would be passed on to future generations. Chapter 4, in many ways the most original part of this volume, confronts the issue of employing genetic means to improve human abilities and appearance.

Describes the use of biotechnology to develop pharmaceuticals. This book gives the professional a basic tool to facilitate the development of biotech medicines by bringing together a general overview of biotechnology used in the drug development process, along with a compendium of regulations and validation methods.