Italy latest to scrutinise safety of gene therapy
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Italy has announced a temporary ban on new patients joining approved gene therapy trials, after a French patient being treated for x-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (X-SCID) developed leukaemia. It follows similar reactions by the regulatory authorities of France, Germany and the US. The UK, however, has stopped short of halting gene therapy research, in the belief that the benefits outweigh the risks. It will, however, monitor developments, review similar trials and issue advice accordingly.