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6 March 2019
Vol 26 l Issue 10
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EDGE HILL TEAM’S CYSTIC FIBROSIS BREAKTHROUGH! Report by Kenny Parker AN Edge Hill University associate professor in human biology has helped to discover a breakthrough gene therapy treatment halting the debilitating effects of cystic fibrosis. Dr Aristides Tagalakis and his team have found that nanoparticles can be used in gene therapy to regulate and ‘silence’ (stop) the mutated genes responsible for producing thick mucus in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis. The life-shortening genetic condition, which affects around 100,000 people worldwide, causes the production of thick, sticky mucus in the lungs and other organs. Nanoparticles, ranging from one nanometre to 100 nanometers in size (a nanometer is equal to one billionth of metre) usually contain only a few hundred atoms and have very large surface area to volume ratios. Two cystic fibrosis patients die each week in the UK with over 90% of deaths caused by thickening mucus and bacterial infections leading to inflammation and lung disease. Currently people with the condition generally only have the option of physical
Gene therapy treatment discovery could ‘dramatically change’ lives of sufferers
Laboratory tests show nanoparticles effectively penetrate the mucus and silence the expression of the mutant gene meaning it could no longer effectively regulate mucus production. One dose effectively silenced the gene by 30% over seven days. Three doses increased the silencing to 50%. Major innovation
Dr Aristides Tagalakis in his lab.
(physiotherapy) and oral (drug) treatments. But the Edge Hill team’s breakthrough could lead to a permanent correction of the genes responsible providing a nonviral, long-term ‘cure’ for the condition.
Dr Aristides said: “The causative gene for cystic fibrosis was identified back in 1989 but this research is a major innovation. Targeted nanoparticle delivery is a new concept in cystic fibrosis treatment. These nanoparticles move more rapidly through mucus, can reach their target cells and can be repeatedly administered over a long period. “The next stage is to continue this research as we hope that this nanomedicine, delivered by inhalation, will one day Continued inside
Council launches new development company WEST Lancashire Borough Council has formed its very own development company with plans to build up to 340 homes over the next five years. The formation of the company, to be known as Tawd Valley Developments Limited, was formally agreed at the meeting of the council on February 27 and planning is already underway for the building of 77 ‘good quality’ homes in Skelmersdale in the next 12 months, including 48 to be retained by the council for social housing. The council says the new homes will be delivered for local people building on recent successful major housing projects such as the current Walmsley Drive development in Ormskirk. Profits from house sales will be returned to the council as the only shareholder of the company and the authority says it will help to support its “ambitious” priorities for the borough. The company will also build muchneeded ‘affordable’ homes for rental to be retained by the council. Responding to media questions at a conference held at council offices, leaders and officials said that the council had successfully bid for a £780,000 grant from Government to set the company up. Four non-salaried directors are currently being recruited to run it and a five-year business plan projects the company to make £4m surplus. Leader of the council and cabinet member for economic regeneration, Councillor Ian Moran, said: “One of the council’s top priorities is to deliver tangible improvements for the local economy by developing commercial and residential property. “This would help support new and growing businesses, retain and grow
Councillor Ian Moran.
jobs and increase the number of residents in the area. “Tawd Valley Developments Limited will help the council achieve that and generate income for West Lancashire, including through council tax and business rates to support frontline services and more exciting projects.” And Councillor Jenny Forshaw, cabinet member for housing and landlord services, added: “A key role of Tawd Valley Developments Limited will be to facilitate the building of much-needed, new affordable housing in West Lancashire. This will benefit people across the borough.” The council says that Tawd Valley Developments Limited’s main objectives will be to acquire and develop sites for residential and commercial development. In addition, the company will seek to secure additional private and Government investment into the borough; create relationships with landowners, developers and investors which deliver financial and regeneration benefits; and maximise appropriate development and accelerate growth by providing property and commercial expertise.
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