ASGT Embraces Cell Therapy with Name Change
Posted on: 29 May 2009, source: ASGCT
The American Society of Gene Therapy (ASGT) will officially change its name Saturday to the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT), a change intended to better reflect the intimate relationship between the two fields. “This new name more accurately reflects who we are and what we do,” said David M. Bodine, PhD, ASGT president, who led the initiative to add cell therapy to the name. “Gene therapy and cell therapy cannot be separated; each is an integral part of the other.” Added Ken Cornetta, MD, incoming ASGCT president: “Gene therapists are cell therapists. We have the same goal, which is improved patient care.” The change goes into effect at 7:45 a.m. Saturday, May 30, during the business meeting at the ASGT 12th Annual Meeting.
The American Society of Gene Therapy (ASGT) will officially change its name Saturday to the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT), a change intended to better reflect the intimate relationship between the two fields. “This new name more accurately reflects who we are and what we do,” said David M. Bodine, PhD, ASGT president, who led the initiative to add cell therapy to the name. “Gene therapy and cell therapy cannot be separated; each is an integral part of the other.” Added Ken Cornetta, MD, incoming ASGCT president: “Gene therapists are cell therapists. We have the same goal, which is improved patient care.” The change goes into effect at 7:45 a.m. Saturday, May 30, during the business meeting at the ASGT 12th Annual Meeting.
The American Society of Gene Therapy (ASGT) 12th Annual Meeting is the world’s largest scientific meeting surrounding the latest developments in gene and cell therapy, attended by nearly 2,000 researchers from around the world and featuring 60 scientific presentations.
The American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) is a professional non-profit medical and scientific organization dedicated to the understanding, development and application of genetic and cellular therapies and the promotion of professional and public education in the field. For more information on ASGCT, visit its website, www.geneandcelltherapy.org.
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