“Gene Therapy: From Concepts to Clinical Testing and Approval of Gene Drugs”
Speaker: Seppo Ylä-Herttuala, MD, PhD, Professor, A.I. Virtanan Institute for Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Director of the Biocenter Kuopio, National Director EU EATRIS-ERIC infrastructure network, Director of the National Virus Vector Laboratory
Date: November 13, 2024, noon-1 p.m.
Location: Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health Building, Atkins Family Seminar Room
*Zoom option available
Register Here
About the Speaker
Seppo Ylä-Herttuala, M.D., Ph.D., is a leader in cardiovascular gene therapy, running a world-leading laboratory in both cardiovascular and malignant glioma gene therapy. His work began with the first-ever application of catheter-mediated adenoviral gene transfer to human arteries in 1995. Since then, his team has focused on the development of new gene therapy approaches for cardiovascular diseases, malignant glioma, and diseases caused by disturbances in vascular biology. 
His group's research includes the use of virus-derived gene transfer vectors, cloning of new treatment genes, and applying genetic information for therapeutic purposes. His team is actively involved in translational research and has conducted nine phase I-III clinical studies, developing vectors in the National Virus Vector Laboratory at the A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland. Adenoviral manufacturing technology developed in his lab has been crucial for the 2022 FDA approval for clinical use of Adeno-Interferon A gene therapy for bladder cancer. His work has been recognized with Outstanding Achievement Awards by the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy in 2015 and the European Society of Gene and Cell Therapy in 2023.
In addition to his work in gene therapy, Professor Ylä-Herttuala is the originator of the concept of "epigenetherapy." He has served as President of the European Society of Gene and Cell Therapy from 2010 to 2012. His contributions to the field, particularly in angiogenesis and the VEGF family and their clinical applications, have cemented his status as a leader in the field.
About the Discovery Series
The NextGen Precision Health Discovery Series provides learning opportunities for UM System faculty and staff across disciplines, the statewide community and our other partners to learn about the scope of precision health research and identify potential collaborative opportunities. The series consists of monthly lectures geared toward a broad multidisciplinary audience so all can participate and appreciate the spectrum of precision health efforts.
For questions about this event or any others in the Discovery Series, please reach out to Mackenzie Lynch.