Gene therapy combats heart failure, provides renewed hope for genetic medicine

The following is an excerpt.

Gene therapy may offer new hope for those with heart failure struggling to live a normal life if the first British trials in humans, announced on Tuesday, are successful.

The two trials, involving about 250 patients, will look at whether the pioneering treatment is safe, reduces emergency admissions and improves quality and length of life.

Over a decade ago gene therapy, in which working copies of missing or faulty genes are inserted into the human body, was widely viewed as a panacea, but until now it has failed to deliver on its early promise. Scientists hope the two heart failure trials will be a turning point for the technique, as well as benefitting people with a devastating condition.

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Read the full article here: Pioneering gene therapy trials offer hope for heart patients

Further reading:

• Is gene therapy finally emerging from the shadows? Genetic Literacy Project.
  
• The future is now: Gene therapy to take flight in Europe, Genetic Literacy Project.
• Gene therapy for sensory disorders, New Scientist.