1. Gene Therapy By: Destiny Osborne & Amanda Owens

2. Gene therapy is an experimental technique that uses genes to treat or prevent disease. In the future, this technique may allow doctors to treat a disorder by inserting a gene into a patient’s cells instead of using drugs or surgery. Researchers are testing several approaches to gene therapy, including: Replacing a mutated gene that causes disease with a healthy copy of the gene. Inactivating, or “knocking out,” a mutated gene that is functioning improperly. Introducing a new gene into the body to help fight a disease.

4. Pros and Cons of Gene Therapy PROS As we find cure for some of the diseases, we are attacked by new and more virulent forms of germs. Although such diseases can be cured through medicines, genetic disorders have no cure unless the defective gene is replaced by the correct one and this is what gene therapy aims at. Moreover, by targeting the reproductive cells, such defects can be got rid of for good. People suffering from genetic disorders like Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease are some of those whose only hope for cure is gene therapy. CONS There is no guarantee that the viral enzyme that is responsible for this step will be able to introduce the correct gene at the specific point in the host chromosome. The body's immune system may destroy the vector as it may perceive the carrier as a foreign body

5. Is it Legal? Yes, its been legal for 8 years now, but they are trying to make it illegal Shortly after, SiBiono filed a lawsuit against Peng. The company claimed that as Gendicine’s patents - owned by Peng and research team - were filed in 2002, and its main patent covering the clinical use of the p53 gene delivered by a viral vector was authorised in China in 2004, when Peng worked for SiBiono, the patents should belong to SiBiono.