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Gene Therapy Corrects Hemophilia in Mice and Dogs

Posted by timothy on from the simple-chronic-halitosis dept.

FiReaNGeL writes "Researchers successfully corrected hemophilia, the oldest known hereditary bleeding disorder, in dogs and mice. They introduced the gene coding for clotting factor VIII, which is defective in type A hemophilia, in the liver of newborn animals. All animals achieved expression of the clotting factor, averaging 139 and 115 percent of normal factor VIII activity and are stable after more than a year. The treatment targeted newborns exclusively for two reasons; their liver is still developing and their immune system is immature, facilitating the gene transfer. Researchers plan to perform tests in higher primates in the next few years. A summary of the research and the reference to the original paper are available."

4 of 42 comments (clear)

  1. WHats sad is.... by Creepy+Crawler · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Most drug companies will petition AGAINST these types of treatments for the sake of "medical scrutiny not up to standard".

    Go take a look at Joinleenow.com and take a look how Type 1 IDDM can be cured by using YOUR OWN BODY PARTS.

    Now, why would drug companies NOT want to do away with insulin dependancies? Well, soo much for selling:

    Testing Kits
    Needles
    Insulin
    Monitoring Equipment
    and much more.....

    Thats one hell of a profit margin that would be lost if even 1 person was cured of insulin dependancy. Now think of if all were...

    --
    1. Re:WHats sad is.... by Creepy+Crawler · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Then you fail to grasp corporate language.

      When a group of well-paid 'scientists' appears in front of a FDA panel for phase 3 testing saying:

      "We feel, after going through our and their data, that this proposed treatment has unforseen detrimental effects and must be delayed for further study"

      And of course, unlimited delays mean no treatment. And more profit for the insulin profit-derived makers.

      --
  2. One problem... by Game+Genie · · Score: 1, Insightful

    Where did they find enough hemophilic mice and dogs? I wouldn't think there is much screening for such genetic disorders in animals. Perhaps dog breeders might do this, but mice? Or do they just breed them on purpose from hemophiliac parents?

  3. Re:Not usually an optimist... by cowgoesmoo2004 · · Score: 2, Insightful
    I think you are being a bit naive.

    Food supplements are making inroads into various health issues. However, the drug industry is fighting them tooth and nail with the help of the FDA -- because they hurt profits.

    I'm not a conspiracy theorist wacko, just look at the hatchet job they attempted on the Life Extension Foundation. I don't have the exact link, you'll have to do some digging to find it.