Gene Therapy: Promise and Price

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This chapter explores the revolutionary potential of gene therapy in treating genetic disorders like sickle cell anemia through technologies like CRISPR-Cas9. It addresses the significant financial barriers and high costs of such treatments, which often exceed a million dollars, and discusses innovative financial models to enhance accessibility. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of holding pharmaceutical companies accountable to foster competition and drive down prices.

Capsule that can withstand vacuum? Check. Low-pressure spacesuit? Check. Space-friendly Doritos? Check. The first spacewalk by private citizens showcases SpaceX’s prowess, the viability of privately funded exploration—and extraplanetary product placement. Gene editing has revolutionised the treatment for certain conditions, but can the staggering prices be brought down (11:30)? And some big news about Espresso, our daily briefing app (20:20).

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