Gene Therapy: A Medical Revolution
As gene therapy is one of the newest, cutting-edge technologies being researched and developed upon, several different types of organizations, companies, institutions, and people are working to further develop upon gene therapy. Many combined efforts to create new types of gene therapies have actually resulted in helpful benefit to genetics. Some of the many innovators that are currently working on gene therapy are the following.
Without these innovators, there wouldn't be gene therapy...
American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy
Formed in 1996, is one of the largest innovators that are deeply connected to the development of gene therapy; ASGCT is a non-profit organization that is “dedicated to the understanding, development and application of genetic and cellular therapies." ASGCT contains scientists, researchers, and professionals that are determined to find new genetic cures; by 2011, it had 1,400 members in the US and 2,000 internationally. (Citation 9)
National Human Genome Research Institute
Formed as a sub-department of NIH, was created as a important contributor to the Human Genome Project, which was started in 1993 with the sole purpose to sequence the whole human genome. NHGRI serves as a program for thousands of researchers/scientists so that they can make use of special grants and funds for more research on the human genome. With this research, further information can be understood about the genome. (Citation 22)
GenVec
"GenVec, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company working with leading companies and organizations such as Novartis and the U.S. government to leverage our proprietary gene-delivery technologies to address the prevention and treatment of significant health concerns." (Citation 62)
Valentis, Inc.
"Valentis aims to help everybody care for what is most precious to them, namely their health; therefore, we are constantly formulating and marketing products that improve health and heal without adverse side effects to the natural operationof the human body." (Citation 63)
University-Based Innovators
UCD MIND Institute, John Hopkins University McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Center for Gene Therapy University of Iowa, and Gene Therapy Center at UNC.
Amgen
"Amgen is committed to unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses by discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative human therapeutics. This approach begins by using tools like advanced human genetics to unravel the complexities of disease and understand the fundamentals of human biology." (Citation 64)
Puresyn, Inc.
"Puresyn provides contract plasmid DNA manufacturing services including TransfectionReady, ResearchReady, and INDReadyâ„¢ DNA for applications from Transfections to GMP Vector production and has over 20 years of DNA purification experience." (Citation 65)
Nanocor Therapeutics
"NanoCor’s initial focus is the commercial development of a minimal-invasive treatment for CHF. NanoCor’s therapeutic is comprised of the delivery of a proprietary gene developed at the Massachusetts General Hospital and the University of Cincinnati. The gene will be delivered with AskBio’s proprietary Biological NanoParticle (BNP™) and the Self-Complementary Vector technologies, which are derived from human adeno-associated virus vectors (rAAV)." (Citation 66)
