Team:Duesseldorf/Ethik
Ethical Discussion about Gene therapy
Working towards the future application of the Optoptosis project in humans, poses the question on how to insert our gene products in human cells.
Currently, gene therapy is the most applicable method mainly being researched since the late 80’s because of its promising potential. Especially, the usage of gene therapy for treating and preventing hereditary monogenetic diseases is widely accepted. In comparison to that, viral gene therapy used to alter individual abilities and genetic aptitude is less common.
Somatic vs. Embryonic Gene Therapy
Somatic gene therapy is still more accepted by the public than embryonic gene therapy. Embryonic gene therapy aims at repairing, changing or adding nucleic acid sequences in germ cells. Therefore these changes are inherited while the changes made in somatic gene therapy only concern the treated individuals. In Europe embryonic gene therapy mainly encounters denial and is forbidden by the “Schweizerische Bundesverfassung in der Eidgenossenschaft” especially because of ethical proviso as one might be able to determine the next generations’ destiny [1]. Intervention in the cells of the germ line are also prohibited according to the Embryo Protection Law. [2]
Approvement of gene therapeutical medicaments
Due to the sensitivity of the topic, the procedure of establishing gene therapeutical medicaments during non-clinical studies and before the first clinical use are differing in comparison to normal medication admission procedure. For example, the phase where the medicament is tested on fit humans is skipped. Additionally, the number of clinical subjects is reduced. For detailed information please
