APCGCT

A message from the President

It’s already been 18 years since we enter the era of innovation, the 21st century. Many obstacles have been overcome and finally we find rays of hope in gene therapy. AI (artificial Intelligence) evolves in full flood, genetic analysis and genome editing (a set of technologies used to modify the genetic makeup of cells) are coming into reality due to the improvement of big data processing ability.

In 2003 at that time “genetic analysis” would take 10 years and cost 3000 billion yen to analyze one person. It is now possible in one day and only cost from several to 10 thousand yen per person.

By genome editing, complete cure of genetic disorder muscular dystrophy or cancer has taken into consideration. It is getting clear which part of DNA is related to cancer. Actually, once we get to use the genome editing in 2 to 3 years, and once the technology is usable then after approximately total 5 years, we will be able to treat cancer specifically.

However, it is very difficult for us ordinary people, to understand about gene engineering, molecular cell biology, molecular medicine, molecular genetics, and so on, including a lot of difficult terms such as Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), transcription, chromosomes, mitochondria, vector (retroviruses, adenoviruses, adeno-associated virus, rench virus, herpes virus, foamy virus, etc.)

Our NPO is established with the aim of providing second by second and minute by minute growing latest gene therapy information easily to as many ordinary people as possible, cooperating with researchers in Japan, Asia-Pacific, and the United States.

Gene and cell therapy is a treatment to give hopes to many patients suffering from incurable diseases. We are sure that advanced treatment will come into reality and give a bright future for those who suffer with diseases in the next few years.

January 2018
Certain non-profit organization (NPO)
Asia Pacific Consortium of Gene and Cell Therapy
Chairman Masao Takahashi