Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania are launching a new program to create adeno - associated virus ( AP ) vectors created for gene - editing , these AAVs are used by gene therapies to target the host cells without damaging them . At the moment , they are working with AAVs developed a decade ago , but the goal is to " significantly improve their performance " and come up with " therapeutic applications of genome editing " . these life-saving therapies are made available to our patients.” Earlier this year , the university partnered with Biogen , the US 's oldest biotechnology company , to develop gene therapy and gene editing techniques .
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania are launching a new program to create adeno - associated virus ( AP ) vectors created for gene - editing , these AAVs are used by gene therapies to target the host cells without damaging them . At the moment , they are working with AAVs developed a decade ago , but the goal is to " significantly improve their performance " and come up with " therapeutic applications of genome editing " . Earlier this year , the university partnered with Biogen , the US 's oldest biotechnology company , to develop gene therapy and gene editing techniques .