Scientists develop new gene therapy to help treat stroke

SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- A new treatment method using biodegradable polymers
has been developed that may help stroke and glaucoma patients, scientists said
Sunday.
The biodegradable polymer gene delivery system has been positively tested on
laboratory animals, the Seoul National University team said. The team, led by
chemistry professor Park Jong-sang, added that the overall qualities and
efficiency of the system were on par with viral gene delivery methods currently
used in the genetic therapy field.
Park claimed that unlike the conventional method, the new system had little risk
of serious side effects such as inflammation or cancerous growth.
"The development can lead to further work that may open the door to help people
overcome stroke and glaucoma," said Park.
Gene therapy refers to a treatment method that is gaining popularity among
scientists around the world as they try to combat incurable diseases and
lingering after-effects from past health conditions.
The treatment involves injecting a therapeutic gene into a damaged cell by using
a artificially engineered medium. Modified animal viruses have generated the most
attention so far, as they have proven to be the most effective in penetrating
damaged cells.
Researchers have also made efforts to use a non-viral delivery system, but these
have not been effective. The non-viral approach uses chemical agents as a medium.
The team received state funding from the Ministry of Education, Science and
Technology. Their research has been published in the latest issue of the
international Biomaterials journal.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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