Viral Vectors: Are We There Yet?

By Caitlyn Smith, Senior Global Product Manager, and Ratish Krishnan, Senior Strategy Consultant for Novel Modalities Bioprocessing, MilliporeSigma

Looking at the current state of cell and gene therapies (CGTs), it is clear they have brought major changes to the biopharmaceutical landscape. Record levels of money and interest are pouring into CGT research, as well as technologies to develop and manufacture them, both with the intent to help realize the full potential of these gene delivery vehicles. Current statistics show these efforts are driving significant growth in this area, with nearly 1,000 ongoing clinical trials for CGTs registered with ClinicalTrials.gov and 22 CGTs approved by the FDA.

However, since the first gene therapy was administered in 1990, the field has experienced several setbacks, with the death of a patient in 1999 serving as one of the most notable. Critical developments have since catapulted CGTs back into the spotlight, moving the needle from hype to hope, but there is still a long way to go when it comes to addressing the uncertainties challenging their long-term success. Read to find out what we must do as an industry to continue this momentum and ensure these revolutionary treatments become a reality for patients who need them.