ASGCT Podcast Network

Terry Flotte, MD, a leading figure in gene therapy and Dean at UMass Chan Medical School, shares his journey from childhood inspiration to groundbreaking research. He discusses the pioneering work in AAV gene therapy for cystic fibrosis, emphasizing safety and technological evolution. Alongside ASGCT President Hans-Peter Kiem, MD, PhD, they explore the future of gene therapy, touching on exciting advancements aimed at treating genetic disorders. Flotte's passion for pediatrics and personal interests, including baseball and obscure films, add a delightful touch.

Jennifer Doudna, a renowned scientist and co-inventor of CRISPR-Cas9, shares her inspiring journey from rural Hawaii to winning the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. She discusses the groundbreaking evolution of CRISPR technology and its revolutionary potential in health and agriculture. Doudna emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in gene editing and advocates for accessibility in scientific advancements. Additionally, she highlights the need for mentorship and diversity in STEM, all while balancing her professional pursuits with personal passions like hiking.

Drew Weissman, a pioneer of mRNA technology and professor at the University of Pennsylvania, shares his revolutionary journey in vaccine development. He details the critical breakthroughs that led to the successful mRNA vaccines and discusses the ongoing innovations aimed at combating diseases like HIV and malaria. Drew emphasizes the importance of global vaccine access and the role of mentorship in science. His insights offer hope for future advancements in gene therapy, showcasing the potential of mRNA technology to transform medicine.

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.