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04/01/2005
£2.5m to support cystic fibrosis gene therapy research
Health Minister, Lord Warner, has announced the winning bids for £2.5 million to support further research into gene therapy for cystic fibrosis (CF).
The funding commitment was made in the Genetics White Paper, 'Our Inheritance, Our Future: Realising the potential of genetics in the NHS' and will help to ensure that those with cystic fibrosis benefit as soon as possible from the latest advances in genetic knowledge and technologies.
Cystic fibrosis is the most common inheritable disorder in the UK and affects over 7,500 children and adults. It causes mucus to continually build up in the lungs, which causes breathing difficulties and respiratory infections. There is currently no cure, although regular physiotherapy, antibiotics and enzyme supplements can help slow the progression of the disease. However, the life expectancy for individuals with cystic fibrosis is just 30 years.
Following an open call for proposals, two contracts, one to the Institute of Child Health and the other to the UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium, have now been awarded to support further essential gene therapy research in this area. The research teams will work on different but complementary strategies in their proposals and have agreed to work together to maximise the likely benefits.
Commenting on the announcement of the further research, Lord Warner said: "The Genetics White Paper set out our vision that the NHS should take maximum advantage of new genetic knowledge and technologies. Supporting this innovative research will help make sure that cystic fibrosis patients benefit as quickly as possible from gene therapy advances. This work represents a major step in our endeavour to relieve the suffering and ultimately find a cure for this terrible disease".
(KMcA/SP)
The funding commitment was made in the Genetics White Paper, 'Our Inheritance, Our Future: Realising the potential of genetics in the NHS' and will help to ensure that those with cystic fibrosis benefit as soon as possible from the latest advances in genetic knowledge and technologies.
Cystic fibrosis is the most common inheritable disorder in the UK and affects over 7,500 children and adults. It causes mucus to continually build up in the lungs, which causes breathing difficulties and respiratory infections. There is currently no cure, although regular physiotherapy, antibiotics and enzyme supplements can help slow the progression of the disease. However, the life expectancy for individuals with cystic fibrosis is just 30 years.
Following an open call for proposals, two contracts, one to the Institute of Child Health and the other to the UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium, have now been awarded to support further essential gene therapy research in this area. The research teams will work on different but complementary strategies in their proposals and have agreed to work together to maximise the likely benefits.
Commenting on the announcement of the further research, Lord Warner said: "The Genetics White Paper set out our vision that the NHS should take maximum advantage of new genetic knowledge and technologies. Supporting this innovative research will help make sure that cystic fibrosis patients benefit as quickly as possible from gene therapy advances. This work represents a major step in our endeavour to relieve the suffering and ultimately find a cure for this terrible disease".
(KMcA/SP)
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