From rare to ultrarare to prevalent: Jim Wilson on gene therapy’s future

Gene therapy has fallen out of favor again among pharmas and some investors, but the modality’s future is bright, argues AAV trailblazer Jim Wilson. In an exclusive conversation with BioCentury, Wilson predicted the benefits of gene therapies will extend beyond rare genetic diseases, and beyond the U.S. market. 

Last week, Wilson made headlines for his decision to depart the University of Pennsylvania after more than three decades to form two new gene therapy companies: therapeutics-focused Gemma Biotherapeutics Inc., where Wilson will serve as CEO, and CRO Franklin Biolabs Inc., where he will be chairman...