early success led to many other gene therapy trials in the 1990s for different kinds of genetic diseases, until a tragic setback happened. In September 1999, Jesse Gelsinger became the first person who died after undergone a gene therapy for ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency, a rare metabolic disorder. He died from massive organ failure caused by a bad reaction of his immune system to the virus used in the therapy (Thompson
Although genetic testing can benefit society in numerous ways, such as the diagnosis of vulnerabilities to inherited diseases and ancestry verification, it also has the precarious capability to become a tool in selecting a more favorable genetic makeup of an individuals and ultimately cloning humans. Genetic testing will depreciate our quality of life and may result in discrimination, invasion of privacy, and harmful gene therapy. In 1993 a pamphlet by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute was
Modification or alteration of deoxyribonucleic acid found in the chromosomes of a cell, otherwise known as genetic engineering, is beginning to grip more ground in the realm of scientific research and could possibly become a cornerstone for a completely technological future. With the growing curiosity and experimentation surrounding genetic engineering, there is also controversy sparking about the issue: should the government limit the research and abilities of genetic engineering? Not only has
In the United States, the basis for ethical protection for human research subjects in clinical research trials are outlined by the Belmont Report developed in the late 1970’s. This document, published by the Nation Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research, highlights three important basic principles that are to be considered when any clinical trial will involve human research subjects. They are; respect for persons, beneficence, and justice. (Chadwick
Considered one of the more controversial up comings in the world of science, it’s hard to ignore what amazing benefits gene therapy has to offer. With many potential treatments aimed to target some rather serious diseases, much support has been gained for the field. Although gene therapy remains at the forefront of change, much discussion has been created due to several potential drawbacks. These drawbacks, however substantial, must not be overlooked for the risk of lives isn’t a fair price to pay
Introduction Gene therapy is a technique which has the prospect of providing an advantageous method in curing genetic diseases. Although still in development, successful trials have occurred, and conceptually, the idea being tested is ideal in the fight against lethal diseases such as haemophilia, cystic fibrosis and cancer. However, much controversy surrounds the idea, due to its undeveloped nature, potential biological risks and hefty failures in the past. The use and development of gene therapy
The End of Human Genetic Engineering Scientists and researchers around the world have recently obtained the opportunity to edit human genes with a new gene editing technology known as CRISPR. With high rates of efficiency, geneticists can now genetically alter the genes of animals, insects, vegetables and last but not least, humans. Genetically modified organisms or GMO for short, is a term that is used in our society to label and identify foods that have been created and genetically modified by
earlier expectations may have been premature. High profile adverse events resulting in disproportionate media attention have prevented a greater difficulty for the field, with the death of Jesse Gelsinger in a trial of gene therapy for ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency undermining public trust of clinical research in the US. There is a danger that the gene therapy field may have become too risk-averse in response to these adverse events, and that this could manifest as fewer trials that take
The Dangers of Gene Therapy Treatment "What's the worst that can happen to me? I die, and it's for the babies," said Jessie Gelsinger as he left for the hospital to receive gene therapy treatment. (Stolberg) People risk their lives everyday in the name of science. One such science that people have recently been drawn to is gene therapy. Although, gene therapy may be new and exciting and it may be helping to find cures to diseases we only dreamed of curing, we have to remember it is dangerous