Developing therapies

Patient receives novel gene therapy for type of blindness

The first patient to receive gene therapy for an incurable type of blindness was treated at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford this week as part of a trial funded by the Health Innovation Challenge Fund. 31/10/11

Gene-therapy success for children born without functioning immune system

Researchers at the UCL Institute of Child Health have developed gene-therapy programmes that can successfully treat children born with an inability to fight infections, according to studies published in 'Science Translational Medicine'. 25/08/11

'Master regulator' gene for obesity and diabetes discovered

Researchers have found that a gene linked to type 2 diabetes and cholesterol levels acts as a 'master regulator', controlling the behaviour of other genes found within fat tissue in the body. 16/05/11

BRAF mutation confirmed as a strong target for cancer drugs

Research has added to the evidence that a genetic mutation found in over 60 per cent of malignant melanomas is an important target for drugs. 10/06/10

Genetic material successfully transferred between two fertilised eggs

Scientists have developed a technique which successfully transfers DNA between human eggs. This could prevent the transmission of mitochondrial diseases. 15/04/10

Genome study takes targeted approach to cancer

The quest for personalised cancer treatments is given a boost today by the announcement of an £8.5 million ($13 million) UK-US alliance, funded by the Wellcome Trust, to find the best treatments for cancers. 23/12/08

Stem cells: Back to basics

A simple switch can reprogram mouse fibroblasts to form embryonic cells capable of making any tissue. 24/08/07

Bypassing mutations with drugs

A new drug bypasses mutations found in diseases such as muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis. 17/08/07

Reversing fragile X

Research reveals a potential target for the treatment of fragile X syndrome. 03/08/07

Angelman syndrome problems rescued

Research in mice suggests that many of the deficits associated with Angelman syndrome could be alleviated. 08/02/07

Premature ageing: mending membranes

New research brings hope to people with progerias. 22/08/06

Genomic medicine 'revolution' more likely to be 'evolution', says new report

A new report cautions that people need to be realistic in their expectations regarding the genomic medicine revolution, and recognise that it will be slower in arriving then had been promised. 16/08/06

Novel gene therapy approach: inducing self-repair

Prospects for a new form of gene therapy have been presented at the European Society of Human Genetics conference in Amsterdam. 09/05/06

Researchers reverse memory loss in mice

Researchers have reversed memory loss in mice with significant brain degeneration, a breakthrough that offers hope to people living with Alzheimer's disease. 15/07/05

New report describes UK's progress in gene therapy trials

The Gene Therapy Advisory Committee (GTAC) has published its eleventh annual report. 11/04/05

Gene therapy converts dead bone graft to new, living tissue

Converting foreign bone splints to living bone in mice may lead to help for cancer and trauma patients who suffer with fragile and failing bone grafts. 18/02/05

Stem cells lines created from embryos with genetic diseases

Scientists at a private US fertility clinic have created embryonic stem cell lines from embryos with genetic defects. 15/06/04

Gene therapy trials awarded £4 million

Department of Health announces funding for gene therapy research in the UK. 03/03/04

Targeted DNA vaccine may reverse autoimmune disease

Using DNA vaccines to turn off the immune system in a model of multiple sclerosis. 10/08/03

Gene 'patch' offers treatment hope for Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Antisense therapy overrides genetic defects. 07/07/03