James Wilson, director of the Institute for Human Gene Therapy at the University of Pennsylvania. On Sept. 13, 1999, Gelsinger was given an infusion of corrective OTC gene encased in a dose of attenuated cold virus, a recombinant adenoviral vector; it was injected into his hepatic artery.

What gene therapy did Jesse Gelsinger receive?

James Wilson, director of the Institute for Human Gene Therapy at the University of Pennsylvania. On Sept. 13, 1999, Gelsinger was given an infusion of corrective OTC gene encased in a dose of attenuated cold virus, a recombinant adenoviral vector; it was injected into his hepatic artery.

What are the reasons of Gelsinger tragedy?

He died four days later at the age of 18, on September 17, apparently having suffered a massive immune response triggered by the use of the viral vector to transport the gene into his cells, leading to multiple organ failure and brain death.

How old was Jesse Gelsinger when he died?

18 years (1981–1999)Jesse Gelsinger / Age at death

Why is gene therapy unethical?

The idea of germline gene therapy is controversial. As it may protect a family’s offspring from a particular genetic disease, it may affect fetal development in unexpected ways or have long-term side effects that are not yet clear.

What was the Gelsinger case?

Ethics in Real Life: The Case of Jesse Gelsinger Seventeen-year-old Jesse Gelsinger had a genetic disease called ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency. OTC deficiency prevents the body from breaking down ammonia, a metabolic waste product.

How might informed consent be a problem with gene therapy?

Although too young to consent themselves, consent to gene therapy would carry a much higher chance of successful treatment; the worst outcome of treatment failure of LCA would be blindness, the natural outcome of this disease. Parents continue to provide consent to treatments for children too young to consent.

What are the negative implications of gene therapy using CRISPR technology?

A series of studies have suggested that CRISPR may cause cells to lose their cancer-fighting ability, and that it may do more damage to genes than previously understood.

What is OTC disease?

Ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency is a rare X-linked genetic disorder characterized by complete or partial lack of the enzyme ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC). OTC is one of six enzymes that play a role in the break down and removal of nitrogen the body, a process known as the urea cycle.

How many people died because of gene therapy?

Two researchers trying to grow new blood vessels around blocked ones failed to report to the National Institutes of Health that six people died during their gene therapy studies.

Is gene therapy ethically acceptable?

There is broad agreement among researchers, bioethicists, and other stakeholders that gene therapy, including gene editing, of somatic cells can be ethical approaches for the treatment of disease.

What are the negatives of gene therapy?

Risks

  • Unwanted immune system reaction. Your body’s immune system may see the newly introduced viruses as intruders and attack them.
  • Targeting the wrong cells.
  • Infection caused by the virus.
  • Possibility of causing a tumor.