The European Union has allocated nearly €15 million to a research programme on new approaches to gene therapy for the treatment of heart diseases. The project aims to discover the best methods for gene transfer to the heart will. The project will include a clinical study of the most promising gene therapy approaches and is coordinated by Professor Marinee Chuah of the Free University of Brussels (VUB).
"This is a very exciting and important opportunity for this research consortium to find new ways to manage and treat heart disease," said Chuah. "In Europe, it is the biggest cause of death for people, and any reduction in this mortality rate would be a very positive result for our European cooperation," added the Professor.
Thirteen institutions from six countries will participate in the project, including five companies. This five-year project was selected after a fierce international competition.
The World Health Organisation estimates that 17.7 million people die each year fro cardiovascular disease, an estimated 31% of all deaths worldwide.
The Brussels Times
