By Cindy Fox Aisen
Medical Center Public Relations
The first use of DNA as a drug was reported in a Medical Center study published in the Dec. 1 issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (PNAS). This technology may ultimately impact medicine as broadly as the use of monoclonal antibodies, CT scanning or polymerase chain reaction.
The first gene therapy using direct transfer of modified human genetic material successfully demonstrated gene expression, lack of toxicity and therapeutic potential in malignant melanoma patients.
“We have successfully given DNA directly to patients, using it as a drug to express a gene. This approach will make it simpler and safer to treat cancer and other diseases with gene therapy,” said Gary J. Nabel, professor of international medicine and of biological chemistry, and principal investigator of the study.
U-M researchers injected a gene directly into malignant tumors of five skin
