Gene therapy gathers pace

Since the first human gene therapy trial was carried out nearly 30 years ago, on children with severe combined immunodeficiency due to adenosine deaminase deficiency (ADA-SCID, also known as bubble baby syndrome), there have been several product approvals – and a lot of optimism, despite the challenges. According to Research and Markets, more than 2200 clinical trials are under way, and the market is predicted reach $363 million (£271 million) by 2020. Gene therapy now promises potentially transformative therapies for many forms of cancer, plus conditions such as haemophilia and a multiplicity of rare diseases.