Americans support potential of innovative gene therapies, despite high costs

Americans overwhelmingly support innovative gene therapies, which change the focus of medicine from treating illnesses to curing illnesses, according to a new poll from the California-based nonpartisan think tank, the Pacific Research Institute (PRI).

"Gene therapies have the potential to cure a wide array of difficult-to-treat diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, autism, cystic fibrosis, HIV, and cancer, among others" said Dr Wayne Winegarden, director of PRI's Center for Medical Economics and Innovation. "Our new poll shows that Americans see the potential for the innovation from gene therapies to find cures for often-deadly diseases that cut short people's lives, and illnesses that strike newborns, infants, and toddlers," he added.

"Despite higher costs, our new poll shows that Americans are excited about the potential of gene therapies to save people's lives – and are willing to pay for them, too," said Dr Winegarden. "Not only do gene therapies provide significant value, but they also have the potential for future health care savings on drugs and doctor visits. Ensuring patients have access to these new cures that can improve their overall quality of life – and in many cases save their lives – is imperative."