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SEPTEMBER 19, 2000

The family of a man who died as a result of a gene therapy experiment is suing the University of Pennsylvania for wrongful death.

The suit seeks unspecified damages for the death of 18-year-old Jesse Gelsinger in an experiment run by the school. The Food and Drug Administration already cited the university for deficiencies in how the experiment was conducted.

Gelsinger suffered from an inherited disorder that inhibits nitrogen processing in the body. Researchers injected a modified cold virus into his liver in hopes of adding a gene into his body that would control his disorder.

But he eventually fell into a coma and died on year ago on September 17.

Get the Story:
Test Victim's Family Sues Penn (AP 9/19)
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Relevant Links:
Human Gene Therapy: Harsh Lessons, High Hopes (FDA September/October 2000)

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