Gene therapy by administration of genetically engineered CD34.sup.+ cells obtained from cord blood

Patent Number: 6984379

This patent covers the use of autologous cord blood CD34 cells transfected with the adenosine deaminase gene for the treatment of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). The patent has 3 independent claims, the first covering a method of expressing a therapeutic agent in a human (but specifically restricted to adenosine deaminase), the second a method of treating a human with SCID, and the third, a method of treating an infant with SCID. The third claim also covers expansion of the CD34 cells in vitro while transfecting the cells. This patent seems to be relatively narrow in coverage since it is restricted to autologous cord blood (not that many parents bank their children's cord blood...this is a reason why they should), it is restricted to one gene, and to treatment of a relatively rare disease.

View this patent on the USPTO website.