The Overselling of Gene Therapy

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1995. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

The Overselling of Gene Therapy

Washington Post (12/26/95) P. A23
Greenberg, Daniel S.

In an editorial in the Washington Post, Daniel S. Greenberg, editor and publisher of Science & Government, discusses the recent criticism of gene-therapy by a committee of physicians and scientists appointed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH report, directed to researchers and biotechnology companies, decried the overselling of gene therapy, which has so far produced no actual cures and a lot of positive press coverage. Like the NIH scientists, Greenberg believes the dangers of overselling gene therapy include a misled public and the possibility of a later backlash against further support for gene therapy. He warns the public to "be wary of claims of medical miracles, regardless of their origin."

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