Gene therapy : what it is , what it is not and what it will be

Gene therapy is the therapeutic procedure based on the introduction of healthy genes using recombinant DNA techniques. the first successful clinical trial of this technique was published in 1990. Despite the occurrence of adverse effects in certain clinical trials, some of them serious, both laboratories and companies are continuously developing novel materials and establishing both safer and more effective procedures. Although still in experimental stages, recent progress points to growing opportunities for investment by industry, as well as justify the expectation that, in some cases, this technology may reach clinical practice within a few years. KeywoRds: Genes, Genetic diseases, Genetic engineering, Genome manipulation, Advanced therapies, Biotechnology. Rafael Linden is an mD, holds a PhD in sciences and is a full professor at Carlos Chagas institute of Biophysics, UFrJ. @ – [email protected] received on 29 July 2010. Accepted on 17 Aug. 2010. the original contents of the manuscript provided by the author were written and published in Portuguese. the paper was translated into English by tag Comunicação, as per publisher’s request. the author is not responsible for translation or interpretation of content.