Age-related Macular Degeneration

HC Deb 08 January 2002 vol 377 c666W

Mr. Burns

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many people in England suffer from age-related macular degeneration; [24692]

(2) if he will make a statement on the possibility of using genetic engineering to restore vision to those suffering from age-related macular degeneration. [24691]

Jacqui Smith

It has recently been estimated that in the United Kingdom some 180,000 people suffer sight loss due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It is possible that gene therapy may indeed one day be used to halt or even prevent AMD. The results of a number of pre-clinical research studies have been published, and these studies do look promising. However, it is too early to say for certain whether these specific approaches will ultimately lead to cures for patients with AMD.

Here in the UK, before moving into clinic to test such approaches in human subjects, the approval of our national supervisory body, the Gene Therapy Advisory Committee (GTAC) would be required. GTAC would base their decision as to the acceptability of any such trial on the medical and scientific merits of the research proposed and carefully weighing the potential benefits and risks to patients.