Safer, gentler gene therapy

Dr. Foldvari and her team of researchers have so far focussed on using modified viruses to deliver healthy versions of defective genes to ailing cells. However, viruses pose health risks and must have their disease-causing genes removed before they can be used safely. Dr. Foldvari's approach involves producing microscopic delivery molecules specifically designed for gene therapy that are safer for patients and easier to mass produce than viral delivery systems.

Dr. Foldvari's team is working on topical treatments for scleroderma of the skin, a debilitating disorder. By using creams and adhesive patches applied directly to the skin to deliver the gene therapy, Dr. Foldvari is eliminating the need for painful injections and giving doctors greater control over the treatment. This technology is also being tested for needle-free administration of disease-fighting vaccines and could be adapted to target cancer cells.