Horizon
Horizon
Trial and Error #S40E07
It was the simplest idea but one with enormous potential. If a gene is defective in the human body, just replace it with one that works properly. Gene therapy would mean that genetic disorders would become a thing of the past. Cancer would be cured, as would cystic fibrosis and hundreds of other genetic illnesses. Scientists were justifiably excited about the idea but, this enthusiasm that would end up costing one young man his life. Jesse Gelsinger was born with a liver disorder, a rare condition called ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency that stops the liver metabolising ammonia. People with the disease can suffer from brain damage or coma. At its most extreme the illness is fatal. Jesse was lucky, able to lead a fairly normal life although he had a daily cocktail of drugs to control his condition. Jesse wanted to help others. When he was offered a chance to take part in a medical trial to test the safety of using gene therapy for OTC deficiency, he was keen to participate. He knew this was not a cure for his condition but that, by volunteering he might be able to help others in the future. Although the concept of gene therapy is simple, the practice of administering the treatment is much more difficult. In order to replace defective genes, doctors must get working ones into the body and to the place where they are needed.
Episode 7 of Season 40 from Horizon — available to stream in HD on any device.
Comments & Discussions
Join the conversation
Sign in to leave a comment
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts!
Recommended
Because you liked Horizon
Born to Bowl
Born to Bowl
Homicide
Homicide
New York Homicide
New York Homicide
Britain's X-Files
Britain's X-Files
Mark Rober's CrunchLabs
Mark Rober's CrunchLabs
La fiscal
The Prosecutor
El depredador de Sevilla
The Predator of Seville
Roadtrip Australien - 3 Spitzenköche auf 4 Rädern
Roadtrip Australia – Three Top Chefs on Four Wheels
Help! I Bought It at Auction with Sarah Beeny
Help! I Bought It at Auction with Sarah Beeny
Expedition: Back to the Future
Expedition: Back To The Future
Explore Content
Search for movies, TV shows, collections, manga, or people
Trending Now