Top abstract prize for gene therapy research

The poster abstract was titled ‘Safety and efficacy of gene therapy for haemophilia in HIV-positive participants.’

Professor Rasko said the work is important as it highlights the previous discrimination in gene therapy trials against HIV positive individuals.

“People living with HIV represent an important subset within the haemophilia community. However, this population has been excluded from many gene therapy trials,” said Professor Rasko.

“This has been due to concerns about adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors – harmless viruses that are used to deliver genetic material into cells – interacting negatively with HIV medications.”

“We showed that it is safe and efficacious to administer AAV gene therapy to individuals who are HIV positive and receiving highly active antiretroviral therapies,” he said.

Professor Rasko is Head of the Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program at the Centenary Institute.