Page "Genetically modified organism" Paragraph 38

Gene therapy, uses genetically modified viruses to deliver genes that can cure disease into humans.

Although gene therapy is still relatively new, it has had some successes.

It has been used to treat genetic disorders such as severe combined immunodeficiency, and treatments are being developed for a range of other currently incurable diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, Parkinson's disease and muscular dystrophy.

Current gene therapy technology only targets the non-reproductive cells meaning that any changes introduced by the treatment can not be transmitted to the next generation.

Gene therapy targeting the reproductive cells — so-called " Germ line Gene Therapy "— is very controversial and is unlikely to be developed in the near future.