X-Message-Number: 29460
From: "Basie" <>
Subject: One step closer to solving aging
Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2007 22:35:05 -0400

One step closer to solving aging.

Basie


New drug may cure genetic disorders
LONDON, April 23 (UPI) -- A new pill that can correct faulty genes and cure 
some genetic illnesses, called PTC124, should be out in Britain within the 
next three years.

The new pill reportedly promises to be able to treat or help thousands of 
conditions, some of which are incurable, like muscular dystrophy and cystic 
fibrosis, The Times of London reported Monday.

The drug is in its final phase of clinical trials and could be licensed by 
2009.

"There are literally thousands of genetic diseases that could benefit from 
this approach," said Lee Sweeney of the University of Pennsylvania, who is 
leading the research. "What's unique about this drug is it doesn't just 
target one mutation that causes disease, but a whole class of mutations."

PTC124 reportedly targets one particular type of mutation that causes many 
different symptoms depending on which gene is mutated. That makes it 
potentially useful against many inherited disorders.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International. All Rights Reserved.

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