The Powell Gene Therapy Center (PGTC) at the University of Florida (UF) has been instrumental in the development of newer, safer agents for the delivery of therapeutic genes to patients with genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis (CF) and alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency (AAT-D). New programs will extend the use of the harmless virus, called AAV, that is used as a carrier for therapeutic genes to the study of other genetic disorders such as congenital Leber’s amaurosis (CLA), a genetic cause of blindness, and Pompe’s disease, a genetic disease characterized by heart failure and muscular dystrophy. It may also be applied to important diseases of the central nervous system, such as Parkinson disease (PD).

• Vector Core Lab

  The Vector Core manufactures research-grade gene transfer vectors for use in pre-clinical investigations.

• Human Applications Lab

  The University of Florida Human Applications Laboratory manufactures gene transfer vectors under cGMP for use in human clinical trials. Together with the vector core, these two services are available to investigators at the University of Florida and their collaborators.

• National Gene Vector Laboratory (NGVL) Toxicology Core Center

  To minimize the likelihood or seriousness of unexpected or serious adverse events occurring during clinical research, toxicology studies are frequently required by the FDA before a trial is initiated.