Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Cells, Microbes & Viruses => Topic started by: chris on 15/06/2017 07:59:40

Title: What is your opinion on germline gene therapy?
Post by: chris on 15/06/2017 07:59:40

Tasman asks:

What is your opinion on germline gene therapy?

What do you think?

Title: Re: What is your opinion on germline gene therapy?
Post by: evan_au on 15/06/2017 13:05:59

It's inevitable.

For now, there is a significant probability of "off target" (unintended) side-effects of genetic modifications.
- This effectively restricts it to experimental animals
- Current nervousness about genetically-modified organisms will delay releasing these into the environment or the food chain for a few years (at least in Europe)

But there will come a time where the risks of genetic disease (to an individual) are considered greater than the risks of genetic therapy (to that individual) and the treatment will be used.

I think germline therapy will be common in 50 years (if current trends continue).