Innovative Technology Opens Up New Possibilities for Gene Therapies
New Technology Revolutionizes Gene Therapies, Making Treatment More Accessible and Affordable
A groundbreaking new technology developed by Dr. Rasha Rezk and Professor David Kent from the Center for Blood Research at the University of York is set to revolutionize the field of gene therapies. This innovative approach aims to make gene therapy more widely available, at a lower cost, and with improved outcomes for patients.
The technology utilizes mechanical forces to deliver gene-modifying tools to the body’s cells, opening up new possibilities for treatment. Unlike current methods that involve removing cells from the body and correcting genetic material using virus-based tools, this new technology can open cells through compression, similar to how a French press plunger operates. This allows for the delivery of genetic information without damaging or altering the cell, reducing the risks associated with traditional gene therapy methods.
Dr. Rezk highlighted the importance of this new technology, stating, “Our new company leverages mechanical forces to improve delivery and offers the potential to be completely virus-free while also bringing down costs considerably.” With gene therapy currently costing around £1 million per dose in many cases, this new technology has the potential to make treatment more affordable and accessible to a wider range of patients.
The team has already demonstrated the effectiveness of the technology in the laboratory with a small number of cells and is now working to scale it up for clinical application. By making it possible to work on millions of cells using the same method, the technology aims to increase the success rate of gene therapy and make it more affordable for health services.
This groundbreaking development has the potential to transform the field of gene therapy, offering new hope for patients with genetic disorders. With the support of organizations like the Creative Destruction Lab in Toronto and the Royal Academy of Engineering, Dr. Rezk and Professor Kent are well on their way to bringing this innovative technology to the forefront of medical treatment.
For more information about this exciting new technology and the company ForCell, visit their website.
