Posted by Steve van Leeuwen on January 04, 1999 at 11:35:53:
The Wall Street Journal reported today (Jan. 4; A14) on scientists at the University of Pennsylvania and ARIAD Pharmaceuticals (www.ariad.com) who successfully injected into animals a gene that produced a natural protein (Science; Jan 1, 1999). The gene remains dormant until activated by dose of a pill, allowing for close control of protein production. In addition, after only one injection, the gene was able to produce the protein for over a year. Dr. James Wilson, of the Institute for Human Gene Therapy at U. Penn. (www.med.upenn.edu/ihgt/), is quoted as speculating that this method could replace other injected therapeutic proteins, specifically, insulin for people with diabetes.