Browsing by Author "Rangarajan, Savita"

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    Gene therapy access: Global challenges, opportunities, and views from Brazil, South Africa, and India
    (Elsevier, 2022) Cornetta, Kenneth; Bonamino, Martín; Mahlangu, Johnny; Mingozzi, Federico; Rangarajan, Savita; Rao, Jayandharan; Medical and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine
    Gene and cell therapies for a variety of life-limiting illnesses are under investigation, and a small number of commercial products have successfully obtained regulatory approval. The cost of treatment is high, and clinical studies evaluating safety and efficacy are performed predominately in high-income countries. We reviewed the current status of gene and cell therapies in low- and middle-income countries and highlighted the need and current barriers to access. The state of product development in Brazil, South Africa, and India is discussed, including lessons learned from American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT)-sponsored virtual symposia in each of these countries.
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    Implementation of a gene therapy education initiative by the ASGCT and Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences
    (Elsevier, 2023) Cornetta, Kenneth; Kay, Samantha; Urio, Florence; Minja, Irene Kida; Mbugi, Erasto; Mgaya, Josephine; Mselle, Teddy; Nkya, Siana; Alimohamed, Mohamed Zahir; Ndaki, Kinuma; Bonamino, Martín; Koya, Richard C.; Shah, Lesha D.; Mahlangu, Johnny; Drago, Daniela; Rangarajan, Savita; Jayandharan, Giridhara Rao; Medical and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine
    There has been rapid growth in gene therapy development with an expanding list of approved clinical products. Several therapies are particularly relevant to patients in low- and middle-income countries. Moreover, investing in research and manufacturing presents an opportunity for economic development. To increase awareness of gene therapy, the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy partnered with the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Tanzania, to create a certificate-bearing course. The goal was to provide faculty teaching in graduate and medical schools with the tools needed to add gene therapy to the university curriculum. The first virtual course was held in October of 2022, and 45 individuals from 9 countries in Africa completed the training. The content was new to approximately two-thirds of participants, with the remaining third indicating that the course increased their knowledge base. The program was well received and will be adapted for other under-resourced regions.