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Domain: cff.org
Stories and comments across the archive that link to cff.org.
Stories · 3
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Cystic Fibrosis Gene Correction Drug Approved by the FDA
tguyton writes "The good news: the FDA just approved the distribution of the first drug to treat the underlying cause of Cystic Fibrosis, called Kalydeco by Vertex Pharmaceuticals. The bad news: this drug will only affect 4% of patients with the disease in the U.S. From the article: '[Affected patients] with the so-called G551D mutation have a defective protein that fails to balance the flow of chloride and water across the cell wall, leading to the buildup of internal mucus. The vast majority of cystic fibrosis patients have a different genetic defect, in which the protein does not reach the cell wall. Vertex is developing another drug to try and address that problem. Study data for that drug is expected later this year.' Hopefully the research involved will be applicable to finding treatments for other genetic diseases." Further bad news: "...executives said Kalydeco would cost $294,000 for a year's supply, placing it among the most expensive prescription drugs sold in the U.S." -
Guthrie Cards - Australia's DNA Database
bobo12345 writes "There was an interesting show (transcript here) on ABC TV's (Australia) Catalyst on Guthrie Cards - paper filter cards containing blood spots from almost every Australian born since 1970. These samples are routinely taken and stored in hospitals to screen for diseases like Cystic Fibrosis. Australian police have accessed the DNA database without consent in the past, successfully prosecuting an unpleasant incest case. This led to the destroying of all Guthrie Cards by the hospital whose original cards were obtained under a search warrant. Makes you wonder where your genetic material is stored, and which authorities have access. No alien DNA has been discovered on the Guthrie Cards (yet)." -
Genetically-Engineered Super-Athletes?
Karma 50 writes: "The BBC News is reporting that genetically modified "super-athletes" may be competing as soon as the 2012 Olympic games. A conference in London warns that gene therapies for diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis may be used by athletes to enhance performance. So far, this is undetectable. So we're not immediately facing the prospect of watching athletes bred especially for their performance but, with our desire to win at all costs, this too can't be far off."