ASGCT Podcast Network

Carl June, MD, a pioneer in immunotherapy and director of the Center for Cellular Immunotherapy at UPenn, shares his groundbreaking journey in gene therapy. He details his transition from engineering to medicine and recounts the pivotal moments that led to FDA approval for CAR T-cell therapy. Dr. June shares inspiring patient stories, discusses future innovations in cell therapies, and addresses the challenges of work-life balance in with scientific careers. He even reveals his passion for extreme biking as a metaphor for perseverance in both life and science.

Kathy High, MD, a pioneer in gene therapy and former president of Spark Therapeutics, shares her inspiring journey from working with hemophilia to advancing retinal disease treatments. Joined by Hans-Peter Kiem, MD, PhD, they delve into the challenges of developing gene therapies, including the complexities of AAV vectors and the hurdles of clinical trials for children. They also discuss recent innovations like synthetic AAVs, the importance of collaboration in biotech research, and offer wisdom for early-career hematologists pursuing their passions.

David Baltimore, a Nobel Prize-winning professor at Caltech, shares insights on the monumental quest for an HIV vaccine and the future of gene therapy. He delves into his transformative summer spent in Bar Harbor that ignited his scientific passion. The conversation also highlights ethical considerations surrounding gene editing, calling for better funding and training for the next generation of scientists. Baltimore's reflections on pioneering research shed light on the potential of gene therapy to change the course of medical history.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. David Baltimore, a distinguished scientist and Nobel laureate, shares insights from his groundbreaking work in cell and gene therapy. He explores the transformative potential of these therapies in modern medicine and reflects on the pivotal moments in his career that shaped the field. The conversation reveals the challenges and triumphs of scientific discovery, underscoring the importance of collaboration among researchers. Listeners will be captivated by his visionary perspective on the future of gene therapy.