Is gene therapy for limb ischemia a reality?

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Vascular Biology
• Gene Therapy

Background:

• Angiogenic therapy, conceptualized in the early 1990s, aims to promote new blood vessel formation and collateral vessel remodeling.
• The therapeutic approach utilizes genes encoding growth factors, delivered via minimally invasive local vector injections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical translation and reality of angiogenic therapy.
• To assess the success of gene therapy with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in peripheral artery disease.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical evidence and drug approvals for angiogenic therapies.
• Analysis of investment in pre-clinical and clinical studies versus approved therapeutic outcomes.

Main Results:

• Despite extensive research and investment, only two angiogenic therapy drugs have been approved globally (Russia and Japan).
• The limited number of approvals contrasts with the substantial resources allocated to pre-clinical and clinical investigations.

Conclusions:

• The clinical reality and widespread adoption of angiogenic therapy remain questionable.
• Further research and development are needed to overcome barriers to therapeutic success and drug approval.