Human gene editing has long been studied and researched but not tested on humans. Now that the trial is approved, this will be the first ever human trials of the so called, CRISPR therapeutics.
The human gene therapy will be tested on humans
The human trial will be conducted by a team of scientists from University of Pennsylvania since the institution has obtained the funding from Sean Parker, billionaire and Napster creator, who established Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy.
The panels finally gave the approval for CRISPR therapeutics to be tested on humans but scientists still need the nods from the hospitals and FDA.
Human gene editing using CRISPR Cas9 system
CRISPR is a genome editing tool that modifies DNA. The technique is faster and cheaper but high in accuracy. Cas9 is an enzyme used as 'scissors' that cut the DNA strands on the exact location for the removal and insertion needs, YourGenome explained.
Although the human gene editing CRISPR seems to be complicated and hard to pronounce, the process of the method goes as simple as this: T cells will be removed, modified and inserted back into patient's body so they may be able to kill tumor cells. The first ever human trial for the gene editing will be conducted at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas, USC San Francisco and Penn, Engadget reported.
Human gene editing could eliminate cancer, Down syndrome and many other diseases
With the advanced technology, this research is convincing enough for the future of health care, especially treatment for cancer. The idea to edit the human gene will enable a person to 'stop passing the genetic disease' to their children.
Human gene therapy on 15 patients
When ready, there will be 15 patients in the first-ever human trial. These patients are diagnosed with melanoma, sarcoma, and myeloma.
What do you think about this human gene editing?
