gene therapy

noun

: the insertion of usually genetically altered genes into cells especially to replace defective genes in the treatment of genetic disorders or to provide a specialized disease-fighting function
gene therapist noun

Examples of gene therapy in a Sentence

advances in the science of gene therapy
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But patients with these exceedingly rare mutations have fewer options and poorer prospects than those with more typical forms of these diseases — and many are now pinning hopes on experimental gene therapies. Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2025 Today, Americans have access to three-quarters of new medicines, and the US has become a world leader in some of the most advanced treatments, including cell and gene therapies. Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 15 Apr. 2025 Prasad will head the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), which is in charge of approving and regulating vaccines and other biologics products, such as gene therapies and blood products. Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 6 May 2025 Healey met with senior leaders and researchers about how NIH cuts hurt their lifesaving work in advancing gene therapy, rare disease research, digital medicine and neuroscience. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gene therapy

Word History

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gene therapy was in 1970

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Cite this Entry

“Gene therapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gene%20therapy. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

gene therapy

noun
: the insertion of a functioning gene into cells especially to replace a defective gene in the treatment of genetic disorders

Medical Definition

gene therapy

noun
: the insertion of usually genetically altered genes into cells especially to replace defective genes in the treatment of genetic disorders or to provide a specialized disease-fighting function (as the destruction of tumor cells)
gene therapist noun

More from Merriam-Webster on gene therapy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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