Hope for millions as scientists learn how to 'edit out' PAIN
- Studies on mice showed that altering DNA can stop pain signals being sent
- Treatment made by San Diego-based company may be available in five years
- It could help sufferers of chronic pain or with long-term pain problems
Scientists have discovered how to switch off a key ‘pain gene’, dramatically raising hopes of a long-term treatment to relieve the agony of serious illness for millions.
The revolutionary technique alters a patient’s DNA, silencing a gene that transmits pain signals up the spine.
Preliminary studies on mice have already proven successful and US researchers plan to start human trials next year, potentially offering terminally-ill patients and those with chronic conditions the prospect of pain-free care.
- The treatment, devised by start-up firm Navega Therapeutics in San Diego,California, could be approved for use in five years’ time
- their new approach to pain is not addictive
- uses the new high-precision gene-editing technique called CRISPR
- researchers have reversed a patient’s sickle cell anaemia using this method.
- Navega is using a CRISPR technique called ‘epi-genome editing’ which silences rather than replaces the gene.
- Using CRISPR to edit away pain is discussed in a new documentary about the technique, Human Nature, recently given its UK premiere at the Science Museum.
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