Bruce Levine
The Power List 2021 – Advanced Medicine
Barbara and Edward Netter Professor in Cancer Gene Therapy at the University of Pennsylvania
Levine believes the success of COVID-19 vaccine development carries lessons for cell and gene therapy by validating the benefit of long-term investment in research. “Additionally, the importance of a robust supply chain has gained wide acceptance during mass vaccination campaigns,” he says. “In particular, the investment and knowledge gained implementing large scale cold chain logistics will carry lasting benefits for future delivery of cell and gene therapies.”
Levine is looking forward to improvements both in viral vector manufacturing, and viral-free methods of gene delivery. “We will continue to see the implementation of multicomponent genetic engineering strategies to enhance cell function. As a positive ripple effect of the pandemic and the lipid nanoparticles and RNA breakthroughs, look for gene delivery and combination vaccine strategies with advanced cell and gene therapies.”
