2-hour On-Demand: Gene Therapy: Transforming Medicine

Course Description & Information:

• In 1953 Watson and Crick, utilizing x-ray diffraction data from Rosalind Franklin, introduced the structure of DNA. By 2003 the Human Genome Project was completed, and we began to fully understand the makeup and functions of genes. Even as the Human Genome Project was being completed, the idea that diseases could be treated – and potentially cured – was emerging. Until recently altering human genes, or affecting their expression, has been “science fiction.” In 30 years though we have moved from theoretical application to approved drug products in the United States. What is “gene therapy?” How is this new method to treat and cure difficult diseases accomplished? What kinds of diseases are, and might be, targets of this new approach? And, depending on the type of gene therapy a procedure would employ, when is it ethically acceptable for us to change our genetic code, and when might it not be? This presentation will address the history of, and methods utilized, to accomplish gene therapy. Also, some currently approved gene therapy products and procedures will be discussed. Finally, applications in the not-too-distant future will be proposed and examined.
• Pharmacist information: ACPE UAN: 0826-9999-21-025-H01-P, IRD: 4-29-18, ERD: 4-29-24. Knowledge based activity.
• Expiration Date: 4-29-2024
• Level: Intermediate

Course Objectives:

• Define “DNA” and “gene”.
• Explain the functions of genes.
• Identify some genetic-based diseases.
• Discuss some mechanisms by which genes can become flawed, creating potentially disease-producing versions.
• Classify and describe general methods employed to alter genes to address diseases.
• Identify diseases have that have successfully been treated or cured using gene therapy.
• Describe some adverse effects that have occurred, or might occur, as a result of gene therapy.
• Project potential gene therapy disease targets of the future.
• Defend circumstance when specific types of gene therapy would, and would not be, acceptable.

Learning Outcome: At least 80% of class participants will score 70% or greater on course post-test.

Course Credit: 2 Contact Hours

Accreditations: View Course Accreditations

Who Should Take This Course:

• Pharmacists, Dietitians, Nursing professionals (2 hours of pharmacotherapeutic credit) and other medical professionals.

Certificate Requirements:

• Full attendance required.
• Completion of course post-test (70%) and course evaluation.

Faculty: Blaine Smith, PhD, PharmD

How to Take an On-Demand Seminar: View Tutorial

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