The Department of Genetic Medicine at Weill Cornell leads a dynamic and innovative translational research program, advancing diverse fields such as Genetic Therapy and Personalized Medicine.
Our translational research program aims to leverage our expertise in genetic therapies and personalized medicine to develop clinical solutions that target the molecular causes of human diseases.
The Department of Genetic Medicine advances treatments and diagnostics through diverse clinical trials, including drug testing and research to better understand diseases.
The Department of Genetic Medicine at Weill Cornell leads a dynamic and innovative translational research program, advancing diverse fields such as Genetic Therapy and Personalized Medicine.
Our translational research program aims to leverage our expertise in genetic therapies and personalized medicine to develop clinical solutions that target the molecular causes of human diseases.
The Department of Genetic Medicine advances treatments and diagnostics through diverse clinical trials, including drug testing and research to better understand diseases.
Korst R, McElvaney N, Chu C, Rosenfeld M, Mastrangeli A, Hay J, Brody S, Eissa N, Danel C, Jaffe H
Journal
Am J Respir Crit Care Med
Volume
151
Issue
3 Pt 2
Pagination
S75-87
Date Published
03/01/1995
ISSN
1073-449X
Keywords
Cystic Fibrosis, Genetic Therapy, Lung
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. The major manifestations are on the airway epithelial surface, with purulent mucus, recurrent infections, chronic inflammation, and loss of lung function. Consequent to mutations in both parental genes, airway epithelial cells have insufficient CFTR function. Because this can be corrected in vitro by transfer of the normal CFTR gene into airway epithelial cells, it is reasonable to hypothesize that the respiratory manifestations of CF could be prevented by transfer of the normal human CFTR cDNA to the airway epithelium in vivo. Over the past 6 years, our laboratory has developed a strategy to accomplish this goal using a replication deficient E1-E3- recombinant adenovirus (Ad) serotype 5 vector containing the normal human CFTR cDNA (AdCFTR). Studies with experimental animals demonstrate that with administration of such a vector to the airways, the human CFTR cDNA could be transferred to the airway epithelium, with expression of the human CFTR cDNA for at least 6 weeks. Extensive preclinical studies in vitro and in vivo demonstrated that the risks to humans were sufficiently low to initiate a Phase I trial using the AdCFTR vector to treat the respiratory manifestations of CF in humans. Following approval by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Institutional Review Board, the National Institutes of Health Biosafety Committee, the National Institutes of Health Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee, and the Food and Drug Administration, we initiated the first human trial of gene therapy for CF on April 17, 1993. The clinical study is still ongoing, with safety and efficacy data being evaluated, but there is clear evidence that it is feasible to transfer and express the normal CFTR cDNA to the airway epithelium in vivo in individuals with CF.