Global Gene Therapy Training

Applications for 2023 are now closed.

This free certificate-awarding course will equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to educate students on the advances in gene therapy. The course is being offered by ASGCT in collaboration with Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences as part of ASGCT’s goal to provide global audiences with accurate and up-to-date information through educational and training programs that increase awareness and understanding of gene and cell therapy.

Course Structure

This course is directed at full-time academic faculty teaching at accredited universities or medical schools in sub-Saharan Africa. It aims to train these faculty so they can implement gene therapy education into their university and medical school curricula.

Each 1.5-hour class will consist of a 60-minute lecture (with breaks for questions), followed by 30 minutes of discussion. Expert members of ASGCT will instruct the eight-part course. Required readings for each class will be available upon acceptance into the course. Each class will conclude with a multiple choice test.

Topics

(1.5 hours each)

• September 26: Genetics of Human Disorders   

• September 28 & October 3: Gene Therapy Overview Parts 1&2 

• October 5: Methods for Correcting Genetic Diseases 

• October 10: Current Status of Clinical Gene Therapy 

• October 12: Use of Gene Therapy in Cancer Treatment    

• October 17: Ethical Issues, Regulatory Challenges, and the Role of Patient Advocacy Groups and International Partnerships in Implementing Gene Therapies 

• October 19: How to Initiate a Clinical Trial 

Objectives

Participants completing the course will learn:

1. Methods used in genetic modification of human tissues   

2. Major disease targets for clinical gene therapies  

3. Ethical and regulatory challenges to gene therapies  

4. Limitation and opportunities for equitable access to gene therapy 

Outcomes

At the conclusion of the course the participant will be able to:

1. Explain the methods used in clinical gene therapy  

2. Summarize the status of gene therapy clinical trials  

3. Critique the ethical and regulatory issues regarding genetic modification of human tissues  

4. Create educational materials to educate trainees on the current status of clinical gene therapy

Participants are expected to attend at least four of the eight classes live during the scheduled class time and watch the remaining classes on-demand before the next live class begins. Participants must complete all eight tests. Participants who meet these requirements will receive a certificate from MUHAS and ASGCT. All modules will be recorded and available on-demand for participants to reference after the completion of the course.