SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY & PHARMA
Automating
testing in the NHS
“ THESE SCIENTISTS ARE HUGELY PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT THEY DO ; IF YOU TALK TO ANY OF THEM , THEY ' RE THERE BECAUSE THEY WANT TO MAKE A CHANGE ”
SONIA JASSI DRUG DISCOVERY AND SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY LEAD , AUTOMATA
Gene therapy is a precise and slow process , making it expensive ; Jassi is aware that any inconsistencies in the development of the drug used can result in further expenses , followed by the cost of manufacturing . As such , Jassi believes that the healthcare industry needs to fully understand what is happening with these therapies to continue supporting them .
“ I think one of the main issues in gene therapy is that when the viral vectors are used , we don ' t exactly know what ' s going on or what ' s happening with them in the body . You have lots of side effects and adverse effects , in addition to delivery problems .”
Viral vectors are a type of gene therapy used to modify viruses , turning them into vehicles by which genetic material is introduced into cells ’ specific DNA sequences .
In the wider healthcare industry , Jassi is concerned about long-term efficiency of patient trials for gene therapies .
“ Even after a very small trial , we have to think about what side effects there will be over the next few years ,” she says . “ Until you get more patients on larger trials , only then will you be able to see the effects of what these therapies will do .”
104 January 2023