Gene therapy (जीन चिकित्सा) is a medical technology that aims to produce a therapeutic effect by manipulating gene expression or altering the biological properties of living cells. The first attempt at modifying human DNA was performed in 1980, by Martin Cline, but the first successful nuclear gene transfer in humans, approved by the National Institutes of Health, was conducted in May 1989. The first therapeutic use of gene transfer as well as the first direct insertion of human DNA into the nuclear genome was performed by French Anderson in a trial starting in September 1990. In 2003, Gendicine became the first gene therapy to receive regulatory approval.
Gene therapy Meaning
Gene therapy is a medical technique that involves modifying or manipulating an individual’s genetic material to treat or prevent disease. It aims to correct or replace defective or missing genes or introduce new genes into the body to help treat medical conditions.
Applications of Gene therapy
Gene therapy Classification
The procedure of treatment with Gene therapy
Effectiveness of Gene therapy
Drawbacks of Gene therapy
Cost of Gene therapy in various countries
It represents a significant advancement in medical science, offering potential cures for various genetic disorders. However, the costs associated with these treatments are substantial and vary across different countries. Below is an overview of the costs for some notable gene therapies:
Zolgensma (Onasemnogene Abeparvovec)
- Indication: Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
- Cost:
- United States: Approximately $2.1 million per treatment.
- Europe: Prices may vary by country, often negotiated with healthcare systems.
Luxturna (Voretigene Neparvovec)
- Indication: Inherited Retinal Dystrophy
- Cost:
- United States: Around $850,000 for both eyes.
- Germany: Approximately €700,000 for both eyes.
Hemgenix (Etranacogene Dezaparvovec)
- Indication: Hemophilia B
- Cost:
- United States: Listed at $3.5 million per treatment.
- United Kingdom: Available through the NHS at £2.6 million per patient.
Kymriah (Tisagenlecleucel)
- Indication: Certain types of blood cancers
- Cost:
- United States: Approximately $475,000 per treatment.
- European Union: Prices vary; for example, in Germany, it’s around €320,000.
Libmeldy (Atidarsagene Autotemcel)
- Indication: Metachromatic Leukodystrophy
- Cost:
- European Union: Approximately €2.5 million per treatment.
Strimvelis
- Indication: Adenosine Deaminase Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (ADA-SCID)
- Cost:
- European Union: Around €594,000 per treatment.
Factors Influencing Cost Variations
- Healthcare System Negotiations: Prices can vary significantly based on negotiations between manufacturers and national healthcare systems or insurance providers.
- Regulatory Approvals: The availability and approval status differ by country, influencing accessibility and cost.
- Economic Factors: Currency exchange rates, local economic conditions, and healthcare funding models contribute to cost differences.
Considerations for Patients
- Insurance Coverage: In some countries, insurance may cover a portion of the treatment cost, but coverage varies widely.
- Financial Assistance Programs: Some pharmaceutical companies offer assistance programs to help patients afford treatment.
- Long-Term Value: While upfront costs are high, gene therapies may offer long-term savings by potentially curing conditions that require ongoing treatment.
It’s important to note that the field is rapidly evolving, and costs may change as new treatments are developed and existing therapies become more widely adopted. Patients considering gene therapy should consult with healthcare providers and financial advisors to understand the most current information and explore available options.
Conclusion
Gene therapy represents a groundbreaking advancement in medical science, offering hope for curing and managing diseases that were previously deemed untreatable. By addressing the root causes of genetic disorders, it has transformed the treatment landscape for conditions like spinal muscular atrophy, certain cancers, and inherited blindness. The technology has demonstrated remarkable success in correcting single-gene mutations, enhancing immune responses, and even paving the way for innovative approaches to complex diseases.
In summary, gene therapy is a revolutionary but evolving field. It holds immense potential to not only improve the quality of life for millions but also redefine the future of medicine by turning once-incurable conditions into treatable or even curable ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_therapy
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