Current therapies for most human genetic diseases are inadequate. In response to the need for effective treatments, modern molecular genetics is providing tools for an unprecedented new approach to the treatment of diseases; e.g. the direct manipulation of mutant genes or the input on new therapeutic genes. The treatment of human disease by gene transfer has now moved from the theoretical to the practical realm. With the initiation of clinical trials involving somatic gene therapy in different countries, a critical assessment of the different aspects involved with this new technique is necessary. This volume provides an overview on all these interdisciplinary aspects by some well known experts all over the world.

I: Scientific Aspects of Gene Therapy

to Principles and Examples of Somatic Gene Therapy
Gene Therapy with Non-Viral Vector Systems
Gene Therapy of Human Melanoma - from Animal Experiments to the Clinical Trial
Development of a Gene Therapy for Arthritis
The Industrial Perspective of Somatic Gene Therapy
Industrial Aspects of Gene Transfer Systems
Safety Considerations in Construction of Viral Vectors for Gene Therapy
Safety Aspects During Manufacturing of Gene Therapeutic Material
Gene Therapy and Medical Genetic Service: Biological Safety and Ethical Aspects
II: Legal Aspects of Gene Therapy
Legal Aspects of Genetic Therapies in Germany
The Regulation of Genetic Technology in the United Kingdom: Hard or Soft Options?
Legal Aspects of Gene Therapy - The Austrian Regulation Model
Survey About Regulation on Gene Therapy in Some European Countries
Development of Agents for Somatic Gene Therapy - Role of European Drug Agencies
Regulation of Gene Therapy from the EU's Point of View
Regulation of Genetic Therapy - The American Experience
"Is there a Demand for the Worldwide Regulation of Gene Therapy"
Patents and Gene Therapy
III: Ethical Aspects of Gene Therapy
Free Access to Gene Therapy and Dictates of Application
A Survey of Ethical Questions Concerning Gene Therapy
Ethical Assessment of Gene Therapy in Asia
Gene Therapy from the Viewpoint of Parent and Patient Organisations
The Genome, Artificial Evolution, and Human Rights-A New Way to Post-Modem Global Communty
Germ Line Risks of Somatic Gene Therapy-an Ethical Issue
Ethics and Gene Therapy from UNESCO'S Viewpoint
A Project on Medical Ethics Accompanying the Gene Therapy Symposium in Lüneburg (in March 1996).