Gene Therapy Clinical Trials in Quest for HIV Cure

To pull off the research, the executive director of JCRC, Dr. Cissy Kityo said they require funding in the range of $20 million (about sh75.5b). The funding according to Dr. Kityo will support putting together the necessary infrastructure, other facilities that are needed and to conduct clinical trials and monitor patients participating in the research.

Museveni Commissions Bone Marrow Transplant Center in Lubowa

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has challenged local scientists to fast- track the development of the HIV/AIDS vaccine. “It’s good that you are waking up, and we must get the vaccine,” He said.

The President made the remarks today as the Chief Guest during the Joint Clinical Research Center (JCRC) 30th Anniversary celebrations held at the center’s headquarters in Lubowa, along Entebbe Road, Wakiso District.

At the same event, President Museveni commissioned the first ever bone marrow transplant center at JCRC headquarters. He also laid a foundation stone and signed off a master plan of the new proposed cell and gene therapy center.

The President later awarded the former Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi, the former Deputy Chief Justice of Uganda, His Lordship Steven Kavuma, Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, Justice Epelu Opio, Mr. Ben Luwum among others for their immense contribution towards JCRC.

On the other hand, the Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng thanked the President for spearheading the HIV/AIDS fight in Uganda and commitment to end AIDS by 2030.

Gene therapy brings hope to people with sickle cell, HIV

Gene and cell based treatment is promising solutions for the control and cure of some chronic and life threatening diseases such as sickle-cell disease (SCD), haemophilia, blood cancers, and HIV. Most current gene therapy clinical trials on SCD and HIV are conducted in North America. The treatment is either by using someone else’s cells or those of the patient. Gene therapy also called genetic engineering involves getting one’s cell, improving them either by enhancing them to fight disease or as a replacement for the diseased cells and using them to treat the disease.

Ugandan scientists study new sickle cell gene therapy.

Dr. Kityo said sickle cell disease is highly prevalent in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) where Uganda is located and such a product raises hope. According to Health Ministry data, Of the children with the disease, about 50 percent to 80 percent, health experts say die before reaching there fifth birthday partly because of gaps in care.

The UK MHRA explained that Casgevy is designed to work by editing the faulty gene in a patient’s bone marrow stem cells so that the body produces functioning haemoglobin.

To do this, stem cells are taken out of the bone marrow, edited in the laboratory and then infused back into the patient after which the results have the potential to be life-long.” the regulator said in the statement.

Concerns About Accessibility of Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease

Dr. Kityo, expressing her concerns, highlighted that many individuals across the continent might find the therapy unaffordable. She emphasized Uganda’s position as the fourth country in Sub-Saharan Africa with the highest prevalence of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). According to her, the cost of these products is notably high, making them inaccessible to populations in Africa, particularly Uganda. She stated, “Uganda ranks fourth as the country with the highest SCD within SSA. These products are certainly very expensive and out of reach for populations in Africa and Uganda.”