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Welcome to 2017 and thank you for your support and interest in ACGT
.
We cannot do all we do without you.
The new year has already taken off like an Olympic runner at the starting line. Building on an incredible 2016, all signs point to more rapid progress for cell and gene-based therapies for cancer, and I am convinced these revolutionary treatments are approaching the tipping point.
Every day, scientists are learning to modify genes, eliminate faulty genes and replace diseased genes. Immunotherapies and viral therapies are moving from groundbreaking laboratory research to human trials - these treatments stimulate the body's natural defense systems to recognize, target and destroy cancers. In its last session, legislators gave the nod to multi-billion dollar funding for the 21st Century Cures Act, which will further accelerate progress for new treatments. And, a number of gene therapy drugs are filing into the FDA approvals pipeline.
It's an affirmation of our mission when pharmaceutical companies latch onto the science and the path clears for cutting-edge treatments to come to market. Kite Pharma filed an application with the FDA for a Phase I trial for a new drug based on the use of modified T-cells to seek and destroy cancer in solid tumors. CAR-T therapy, of which ACGT has been an early and major supporter, has been successfully used in previous trials with cancers of the blood. Juno, Novartis, Merck
and Amgen are also aggressively pursuing new immunotherapy approvals.
The FDA is also paving the way, which is especially important because other countries are ahead of the U.S. in approvals for the use of gene therapies. In fact, pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline has promised European customers a money-back guarantee if not cured. Now that's confidence.
2016 was a monumental year for ACGT thanks to all of our supporters like you. We funded our 52nd scientific researcher and have issued grants to both Young Investigators and Clinical Investigators totaling $26.9 million. Please follow our
newsletter and our
blog
as we continue to report to you regularly throughout the year on cell and gene therapy breakthroughs.
Please save the date for the ACGT Award Gala - Wednesday, April 19th at Harvard Club of New York City. We are planning another enlightening and enjoyable evening. Your attendance and sponsorship helps us fund the revolutionary research that is rapidly becoming medical practice.
W
e wish you and your loved ones a healthy new year,
John Walter
CEO & President
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