Patients Suffer While the Science Establishment Resists Innovative Therapies

Authors

  • Henry I. Miller Robert Wesson Fellow in Scientific Philosophy & Public Policy, Hoover Institution, Stanford University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5912/jcb846

Keywords:

gene therapy, germ line gene therapy, somatic cell gene therapy, regulation, genetic disease,

Abstract

Human gene therapy has been up to now of a type that affects only the patient being treated; it has not modified sperm or eggs cells or embryos in a way that would constitute “germ line gene therapy” (GLGT) by creating a heritable change and affecting future generations.  Preclinical research has progressed almost to the point where GLGT interventions will be possible with a reasonable likelihood of success, but such clinical trials are currently prohibited: NIH's Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee is not permitted even to consider such proposals, and the FDA cannot use appropriated funds to review such trials.  Such absolute prohibitions are bad for patients and bad public policy.  

Author Biography

  • Henry I. Miller, Robert Wesson Fellow in Scientific Philosophy & Public Policy, Hoover Institution, Stanford University
    Robert Wesson Fellow in Scientific Philosophy & Public Policy, Hoover Institution, Stanford University

Published

2018-08-27

Issue

Section

Commentary