What is the Main Difference Between Cell Therapy and Gene Therapy?

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There is confusion between these 2 types of therapies. Gene therapy generally refers to the delivery of a normal or corrective gene to replace or take over the abnormal gene in a cell affected by a genetic disease. For example, diseases like Sickle Cell Anemia and Cystic Fibrosis are genetic diseases in which one specific gene is mutated and fails to produce a protein that is critical to maintaining normal cell function. The rationale for gene therapy is to deliver a normal gene to the targeted cell and correct the defective gene, which results in the production of a normal protein that restores normal cellular function. Thus, gene therapies are generally restricted to genetic diseases.

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In contrast, a cell therapy involves transplanting a normal cell to replace or repair damaged organ cells regardless of whether the disease is caused by genetic or non-genetic disorders. Thus, cell therapy is not restricted to genetic diseases.

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The Institute has decided to focus on cell therapies rather than on gene therapies because we feel that it offers broader and more cost-effective treatment solutions. See other related links to learn about our decision.