Gene therapy is an innovative approach to medicine that involves the modification of an individual’s genetic material to treat or prevent disease at its molecular root. By targeting and correcting faulty genes, gene therapy holds the potential to cure a wide range of conditions, including genetic disorders, cancers, and viral infections. As a rapidly evolving field, it represents one of the most promising frontiers in biomedical science.
On July 4th, 2024,our µOrganoLab PhD students Seyma and Theodora had the chance of attending and presenting at the prestigious Gene Therapy Seminar in Tübingen. Both students, who are passionately focused on advancing gene therapy, found the event to be an incredibly enriching experience.
During the seminar, they gained valuable insights that highlight both the progress and challenges within the field. Their top three takeaways include:
- Rapid Advancements: Gene therapy is progressing at an impressive rate, with new therapeutic approaches constantly emerging.
- Translational Gap: A significant challenge remains in translating research into clinical trials. However, organ-on-chip systems are gaining recognition as vital tools to bridge this gap, providing more physiologically relevant testing platforms.
- Organ-on-Chip Potential: These innovative systems are proving particularly valuable for testing gene therapies on a small scale, making them essential for early-stage research and development.
This seminar has further fueled their enthusiasm for contributing to the future of gene therapy through cutting-edge research at the µOrganoLab. We are proud of their continued dedication and are excited to see where their work will lead!