Current trends and ethical considerations in gene therapy

Abstract. This paper explores the advancements, applications, and ethical challenges associated with gene therapy, a transformative approach to treating genetic disorders. Gene therapy corrects genetic defects at the molecular level, offering potential cures for diseases previously considered intractable. Techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 have revolutionized this field by enabling precise genetic editing. We discuss both ex vivo and in vivo methods, highlighting their applications in treating diseases such as sickle cell disease and inherited blindness. However, the implementation of gene therapy raises significant ethical and safety concerns, including the risks of germline modifications and the high costs limiting access. Safety concerns associated with viral vectors, such as potential oncogenesis and immune reactions, are also examined. The paper calls for evolved regulatory frameworks to ensure safe, ethical, and equitable access to gene therapy, underscoring the need for ongoing public engagement and education to navigate the complex landscape of genetic medicine. This study concludes that while gene therapy holds great promise, it requires evolved regulatory frameworks to ensure safe, ethical, and equitable access. Ongoing public engagement and education are essential to navigating the complex landscape of genetic medicine.