Abstract
Gene therapy research has the potential to revolutionize the way in which many human diseases are treated. Despite its enormous potential, roundtable panelists concluded that the field needs time to mature scientifically without pressure to develop a marketable therapeutic product. In addition, health care decision makers, physicians, and the lay public need to be educated on the future medical, economic, and ethical ramifications of gene therapy.
Overview summary
At a workshop organized by the Rhône-Poulenc Rorer Foundation and the University of Pennsylvania, held on June 26, 1995, in Philadelphia, specialists in gene therapy research, health economics, and journalism discussed social and economic topics related to the expanding field of somatic gene therapy. In a session that focused on resource allocation for gene therapy research and development, participants indicated that the field is not ready for a market-driven approach. As a result, gene therapy research should remain in the academic sector for a longer time than has been the case with traditional drug therapies. A broad-based education campaign was suggested to increase public awareness of gene therapy and related ethical concerns.
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