Gene Therapy Curing X-Linked Retinitis Pigmentosa in Dogs Paves the Way for Similar Treatment in Humans
March 19, 2012
Researchers at several universities and laboratories collaborated to treat dogs afflicted with the x-linked form of retinitis pigmentosa, to deliver the therapeutic RPGR gene specifically to the diseased rods and cones. This led to functional and structural recovery, and is the first proof that this condition is treatable in an animal model. The researchers concluded that the results are promising and relevant for translation to humans afflicted with this disease.
The results have been published in the journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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2 Responses to “Gene Therapy Curing X-Linked Retinitis Pigmentosa in Dogs Paves the Way for Similar Treatment in Humans”
This is fantastic news for people with RP as a result of all genes (not RPGR only)! I believe there are other gene / dog combinations which have also advanced to the same point.
It will be some time before we see the human cure though. It needs dedicated people, time and money Anybody wants to take a guess at how long before we have a safe product?
This is great news for those of us with the blinding effects of RP. The only reservations I have will be the red tape involved with the FDA and government.
I pray that the red tape can be cut and the human trails can soon begin.
P.S. if Bill Gates had this disease there would already be a cure.
