From complexity to clarity in cell and gene therapy

One of the most exciting frontiers in medicine, cell and gene therapies are already offering breakthrough treatments and potential cures in severe genetic diseases and cancer. The innovations continue to advance rapidly, with press releases announcing major breakthroughs on a seemingly monthly basis.  It ’s undoubtedly a good news story but these advances bring with them the challenge of explaining all the exciting, but complex possibilities to patients and caregivers.  The groups that have historically been expected to help keep doctors up to speed cannot be expected to do so in this dynamic environment, says Kelly Hosmer, Director, Global Marketing for bluebird bio.   “The science is moving quickly, and this is a challenge for the traditional education bodies to keep up, whether medical schools or the educational arms of major physician organisations. They are in a fast-changing world. Just look at the last six months.” Explaining the science The novelty of CGT therapies and their speed of progress is not the only challenge. These are by any measure advanced therapies that draw on decades of deep and complex research. Within the CGT umbrella therapies also vary widely and explaining this all to non-specialists isn ’t easy, says Nicholas Garnier, Director of Patient Advocacy, Rare Disease, Global Product Development at Pfizer. “Gene therapy is the fruition of a century of innovation and discovery in molecular biology, genetics and precision medicine. That ...
Source: EyeForPharma - Category: Pharmaceuticals Authors: Source Type: news