Dr. David Williams discusses cutting-edge gene therapy advancements for pediatric patients. He explains how modified viruses are used as delivery vehicles for targeted cell therapies. The goal is to make treatments more affordable and accessible worldwide. The podcast explores the longevity and effectiveness of gene therapy, as well as the use of innovative delivery methods like chimeric viruses and lipid nanoparticles.
Gene therapy using modified viruses can provide long-lasting treatments for severe genetic conditions.
Advancements in viral vectors like chimeric viruses and lipid nanoparticles aim to expand gene therapy accessibility.
Deep dives
Gene Therapy Applications for Various Diseases
Dr. David Williams, a pediatric hematologist, discusses gene therapy applications for genetic diseases such as severe combined immunodeficiency, sickle cell disease, and cerebral adrenal leukodystrophy. He explains the use of somatic gene therapies to modify cells that produce functional cells like blood cells, emphasizing the success and FDA approval of these approaches.
Different Approaches in Gene Therapy
Dr. Williams elaborates on the two basic approaches to gene therapy, ex vivo and in vivo, highlighting the use of virus vectors as vehicles for introducing genetic material into cells. He mentions ongoing efforts to enhance the efficacy and reduce toxicities of gene therapy treatments through lab research and development.
Future of Gene Therapy and Advancements in Viral Vectors
The podcast explores the advancements in viral vectors for gene therapy, including the utilization of chimeric viruses and adeno-associated viruses, as well as lipid nanoparticles for genetic material transfer. Dr. Williams discusses the potential for moving towards in vivo gene therapy to expand accessibility and reduce the intensity of treatment processes, aiming to treat a wider range of diseases in the future.
Dr. David Williams, Chief of the Division of Hematology & Oncology at Boston Children’s Hospital, Associate Chairman of the Department of Pediatric Oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Leland Fikes Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School
March 15, 2024
In this episode, we discuss advances in gene therapy and its use in treating pediatric patients. Using modified viruses as delivery vehicles, researchers and clinicians can target therapies to specific types of cells, providing patients with long-lasting—and potentially life-long—treatments for a variety of severe genetic conditions. Future advances hope to make these therapies less expensive, less invasive, and more accessible for patients around the world and to expand their use for more common conditions.
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