Searching for new medical drugs (also known as therapeutic agents) has always been the Holy Grail of the medical research for both academia and industry. With the fast-progressing advances in gene technologies and stem cell research, whole new classes of therapeutic agents have been under intensive investigations where genes and cells are themselves used as therapeutic agents. Recent advances have resulted in successful examples of gene therapy, such as treating patients with one form of blindness, which was demonstrated by Oxford University scientists.
We will introduce how genes and stem cells can be used in therapy. We will also critically discuss issues surrounding these applications in a discussion-group format. How does it look like to make a genetic test? We will conclude by touching on the future potentials of using genes and stem cells in personalised medicine. In particular, we will discuss the government’s new plans to transform cancer treatment in England with new proposals to introduce high-tech DNA mapping for cancer patients and those with rare diseases, within the NHS.
Please note: this event will close to enrolments at 23:59 UTC on 15 January 2025.