In this episode of The Issue, CEO of Life Biosciences Jerry McLaughlin joins hosts Sanjay D’Souza, PhD and Jason West, PhD for a discussion on how epigenetic reprogramming could restore function in aging and injured cells. He explains the science behind ER-100, an investigational gene therapy now in a Phase 1 trial for optic neuropathies, and explores the broader promise of targeting age-related diseases to help improve quality of life.

Music: ‘Bright New Morning’ by Steven O’Brien – released under CC-BY 4.0. https://www.steven-obrien.net/ 

In this episode of&nbsp;The Issue, CEO of Life Biosciences Jerry McLaughlin joins hosts Sanjay D&rsquo;Souza, PhD and Jason West, PhD for a discussion on how epigenetic reprogramming could restore function in aging and injured cells. He explains the science behind ER-100, an investigational gene therapy now in a Phase 1 trial for optic neuropathies, and explores the broader promise of targeting age-related diseases to help improve quality of life.
Music: &lsquo;Bright New Morning&rsquo; by Steven O&rsquo;Brien &ndash; released under CC-BY 4.0. <a href="https://www.steven-obrien.net/">https://www.steven-obrien.net/</a>&nbsp;

From Aging Cells to Optic Neuropathy with Jerry McLaughlin

This episode, hosted by Daniel Stone, Associate Editor-in-Chief of Molecular Therapy Advances, focuses on the article, Normothermic perfusion of human livers for profiling lentiviral vector pharmacokinetics and transduction. Listen as Robert Carlisle and Brannon Nicholls from the University of Oxford discuss their approach to studying lentiviral vector transduction and pharmacokinetics in the human liver ex vivo. 

This episode, hosted by Daniel Stone, Associate Editor-in-Chief of Molecular Therapy Advances, focuses on the article, Normothermic perfusion of human livers for profiling lentiviral vector pharmacokinetics and transduction. Listen as Robert Carlisle and Brannon Nicholls from the University of Oxford discuss their approach to studying lentiviral vector transduction and pharmacokinetics in the human liver ex vivo.&nbsp;

An Ex Vivo Human Liver Model for Lentiviral Vector Profiling

In this episode of Scientists, Unedited, host Eirini Vamva, PhD, talks with Bruce Levine, PhD, about his personal life and career in cell therapy. Dr. Levine talks about finding his way into immunology, learning from pivotal mentors, and following the unexpected opportunities that led him to the forefront of cell therapy. He reflects on the patients who inspired his work and the teamwork behind major breakthroughs. He also shares the story behind a CAR-T song he helped write and talks about some of the things that make him who he is outside the lab, including cycling and his love of wildlife and dancing.

In this episode of Scientists, Unedited, host Eirini Vamva, PhD, talks with Bruce Levine, PhD, about his personal life and career in cell therapy. Dr. Levine talks about finding his way into immunology, learning from pivotal mentors, and following the unexpected opportunities that led him to the forefront of cell therapy. He reflects on the patients who inspired his work and the teamwork behind major breakthroughs. He also shares the story behind a CAR-T song he helped write and talks about some of the things that make him who he is outside the lab, including cycling and his love of wildlife and dancing.

From Aspiring Astronaut to CAR-T Pioneer: A Journey of Serendipity with Bruce Levine, PhD

Molecular Therapy Oncology has released a new special collection, Advancements in Pediatric Cancer Therapy. Listen in as guest editor Nirali Shah and Editor-in-Chief Timothy Cripe discuss articles in this special collection, which covers the history, current landscape, and future direction of pediatric cancer therapy.

Music: 'Electric Dreams' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Molecular Therapy Oncology has released a new special collection, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/special-issue/10X0KZR6L40">Advancements in Pediatric Cancer Therapy</a>. Listen in as guest editor Nirali Shah and Editor-in-Chief Timothy Cripe discuss articles in this special collection, which covers the history, current landscape, and future direction of pediatric cancer therapy.
Music:&nbsp;'Electric Dreams' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/">www.scottbuckley.com.au</a>

Advancements in Pediatric Cancer Therapy with Nirali Shah and Timothy Cripe

In this episode of The Issue, Sara Johnson Davis, Senior Director of Government Affairs at Ardelyx and former Vice President, Head of Patient Advocacy & Policy at Fulcrum Therapeutics, joins host Sanjay D’Souza, PhD, to discuss the essential role of patient advocacy in cell and gene therapy.

The conversation covers the evolving role of patient advocacy in drug development, from early research and clinical trial design to policy, commercialization, and access. Sara shares lessons from the sickle cell disease community, reflects on the transition of gene editing from experimental science to approved therapy, and explains why trust, infrastructure, and policy are essential to ensuring transformative treatments actually reach patients.

Music: ‘Bright New Morning’ by Steven O’Brien – released under CC-BY 4.0. https://www.steven-obrien.net/

In this episode of The Issue, Sara Johnson Davis, Senior Director of Government Affairs at Ardelyx and former Vice President, Head of Patient Advocacy &amp; Policy at Fulcrum Therapeutics, joins host Sanjay D&rsquo;Souza, PhD, to discuss the essential role of patient advocacy in cell and gene therapy.
The conversation covers the evolving role of patient advocacy in drug development, from early research and clinical trial design to policy, commercialization, and access. Sara shares lessons from the sickle cell disease community, reflects on the transition of gene editing from experimental science to approved therapy, and explains why trust, infrastructure, and policy are essential to ensuring transformative treatments actually reach patients.
Music:&nbsp;&lsquo;Bright New Morning&rsquo; by Steven O&rsquo;Brien &ndash; released under CC-BY 4.0.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.steven-obrien.net/">https://www.steven-obrien.net/</a>

From Innovation to Access: Patient Advocacy as a Strategic Partner with Sara Johnson Davis

Recorded live at the ASGCT 2026 Annual Meeting in Boston, Le Cong, PhD joins hosts Jason West, PhD and Sanjay D’Souza, PhD for a discussion on his work in genome engineering and the early development of CRISPR/Cas9. The three then dive into Dr. Cong’s use of artificial intelligence tools developed and currently used by his lab. Dr. Cong is a 2026 recipient of ASGCT’s Outstanding New Investigator Awards.

Music: ‘Bright New Morning’ by Steven O’Brien – released under CC-BY 4.0. https://www.steven-obrien.net/

Recorded live at the ASGCT 2026 Annual Meeting in Boston, Le Cong, PhD joins hosts Jason West, PhD and Sanjay D&rsquo;Souza, PhD for a discussion on his work in genome engineering and the early development of CRISPR/Cas9. The three then dive into Dr. Cong&rsquo;s use of artificial intelligence tools developed and currently used by his lab. Dr. Cong is a 2026 recipient of ASGCT&rsquo;s Outstanding New Investigator Awards.
Music:&nbsp;&lsquo;Bright New Morning&rsquo; by Steven O&rsquo;Brien &ndash; released under CC-BY 4.0.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.steven-obrien.net/">https://www.steven-obrien.net/</a>

Using AI to Drive Innovation in CGT with Le Cong, PhD

This episode focuses on Molecular Therapy’s upcoming special issue, the biological clock of aging and the possibility of lifespan extension. Listen in as Dr. Joseph Glorioso, Editor-in-Chief of Molecular Therapy, discusses the molecular mechanisms that drive senescence, determine longevity, and contribute to healthy aging with the guest editors of the special issue, Dr. Christin Glorioso from NeuroAge Therapeutics and Dr. John Bell from the University of Ottawa.

Music: 'Electric Dreams' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

This episode focuses on Molecular Therapy&rsquo;s upcoming special issue, the biological clock of aging and the possibility of lifespan extension. Listen in as Dr. Joseph Glorioso, Editor-in-Chief of Molecular Therapy, discusses the molecular mechanisms that drive senescence, determine longevity, and contribute to healthy aging with the guest editors of the special issue, Dr. Christin Glorioso from NeuroAge Therapeutics and Dr. John Bell from the University of Ottawa.
Music:&nbsp;'Electric Dreams' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/">www.scottbuckley.com.au</a>

The biological clock of aging and the possibility of lifespan extension with Christin Glorioso and John Bell

In this episode recorded live at the ASGCT 2026 Annual Meeting in Boston, host Eirini Vamva, PhD interviews Anna Maurer, PhD of the University of Michigan. Dr. Maurer shares her story of growing up in Michigan and how her path led her to Harvard Medical School. She discusses her work in AAV and gives advice to individuals looking to enter the field of cell and gene therapy.

Music: 'Dreamer' by Steven O'Brien – Released under CC-BY 4.0. https://www.steven-obrien.net/

In this episode recorded live at the ASGCT 2026 Annual Meeting in Boston, host Eirini Vamva, PhD interviews Anna Maurer, PhD of the University of Michigan. Dr. Maurer shares her story of growing up in Michigan and how her path led her to Harvard Medical School. She discusses her work in AAV and gives advice to individuals looking to enter the field of cell and gene therapy.
Music:&nbsp;'Dreamer' by Steven O'Brien &ndash; Released under CC-BY 4.0.&nbsp;<a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furl.us.m.mimecastprotect.com%2Fs%2FJMalCL9w1QUZWVoHPijcyIHMl&amp;data=05%7C02%7Ccsiwula%40asgct.org%7C82afebf4da6449a8021708ded2bc2299%7Cb0fc60ecb4b346cfa59fd572272d1cc2%7C0%7C0%7C639179902643676323%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=7v1uPhwIo92m9foeKREK%2F9HOKw2vL8A5%2BbYxfFATBy0%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://www.steven-obrien.net/</a>

Against the Odds: How Dr. Anna Maurer Built a Life in Science

Recorded on site at the ASGCT 2026 Annual Meeting in Boston, host Sanjay D’Souza, PhD, talks with Fyodor Urnov, PhD, about the evolution and future of gene editing. One of the 2026 ASGCT Catalyst Award co-recipients, Dr. Urnov, talks about his work in gene editing and discusses the need for collaboration in the field to bring more cell and gene therapies to patients.

Music: ‘Bright New Morning’ by Steven O’Brien – released under CC-BY 4.0. https://www.steven-obrien.net/

Recorded on site at the ASGCT 2026 Annual Meeting in Boston, host Sanjay D&rsquo;Souza, PhD, talks with Fyodor Urnov, PhD, about the evolution and future of gene editing. One of the 2026 ASGCT Catalyst Award co-recipients, Dr. Urnov, talks about his work in gene editing and discusses the need for collaboration in the field to bring more cell and gene therapies to patients.
Music:&nbsp;&lsquo;Bright New Morning&rsquo; by Steven O&rsquo;Brien &ndash; released under CC-BY 4.0.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.steven-obrien.net/">https://www.steven-obrien.net/</a>

A Discussion on the Past, Present, and Future Promise of Gene Editing with Fyodor Urnov, PhD

This episode, recorded at the ASGCT 2026 Annual Meeting in Boston, focuses on Molecular Therapy Advances’ upcoming special issue, Beyond prevalance: How rare diseases are reshaping therapeutic innovation. Listen as Editor-in-Chief of Molecular Therapy Advances, Dr. Mohamed Abou-el-Enein, discusses the evolution of therapeutic development for rare diseases with guest editors Drs. Jennifer Adair, Claire Booth, Terence Flotte, and Donald Kohn.

Music: 'Electric Dreams' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

This episode, recorded at the ASGCT 2026 Annual Meeting in Boston, focuses on&nbsp;Molecular Therapy Advances&rsquo; upcoming special issue, <a href="https://www.cell.com/molecular-therapy-family/advances/special-issues/call-for-papers/rare-diseases">Beyond prevalance: How rare diseases are reshaping therapeutic innovation</a>.&nbsp;Listen as Editor-in-Chief of&nbsp;Molecular Therapy Advances, Dr. Mohamed Abou-el-Enein, discusses the evolution of therapeutic development for rare diseases with guest editors Drs.&nbsp;Jennifer Adair, Claire Booth, Terence Flotte, and Donald Kohn.
Music:&nbsp;'Electric Dreams' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/">www.scottbuckley.com.au</a>

How rare diseases are shaping therapeutic innovation with Jennifer Adair, Claire Booth, Terry Flotte and Donald Kohn

The American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy is the premier membership organization for professionals working in cell and gene therapy. On this network, we're sharing exciting stories from our members and the greater scientific community.

The American Society of Gene &amp; Cell Therapy is the premier membership organization for professionals working in cell and gene therapy. On this network, we're sharing exciting stories from our members and the greater scientific community.

ASGCT Podcast Network

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