Gene Therapy Section Formed Within the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine

WASHINGTON, DC and SALT LAKE CITY, UT--(Marketwired - May 20, 2014) - The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM) and the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) today announced their partnership. ARM's new Gene and Gene-Modified Cell Therapy Section (GTS) brings together the leading gene therapy companies and organizations in the U.S. and Europe to advocate for policies and programs to accelerate the development of new therapeutics to treat and cure a range of diseases for which no effective treatment options are available. ARM's focus on advocacy and clinical and commercial development will create a powerful alliance with the deep scientific and translational expertise resident in ASGCT.

The new ARM Gene Therapy Section is one of three technology sections that comprise the ARM membership. The other two sections focus on Cell Therapy and Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials. The Gene Therapy Section will dedicate its efforts to addressing regulatory, manufacturing, commercial and financial issues crucial to the success of the sector. In addition, the GTS will focus on building public awareness for this field of medicine and an appreciation for its potential to transform healthcare. The GTS will be led by Sarah Haecker, Ph.D., a member of ARM's senior staff. Sarah received her Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Bioethics (with focus on gene transfer applications) and her postdoctoral scientific and business training in the Human Gene Therapy Program and the Center for Technology Transfer at the University of Pennsylvania. The three co-chairs of the group are Edward Lanphier, President, Chief Executive Officer, Sangamo BioSciences; Jeffrey Walsh, Chief Operating Officer, bluebird bio; and Karen Kozarsky, Ph.D., Vice President, Research & Development, ReGenX Biosciences. 

"As ARM's membership has grown, the organization has created specific technical sub-groups, such as the GTS, to focus on the unique development and commercialization needs of major sectors within advanced therapies," said Lanphier. "The addition of this new technology section is particularly exciting as the gene therapy field is making tremendous progress and holds great promise for transforming the lives of so many patients. It is our hope that gathering this group of technical, clinical and commercial experts in the field will help to accelerate product development and commercialization of these innovative technologies."