Italy formalises gene therapy "ban":
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Italy has extended its temporary ban on all forms of gene therapy trials which use retroviral vectors. The Italian health ministry today (October 15 2002) announced that it has passed an urgent order formalising the recent temporary ban (see Clinica No 1028, p 12), until January 31 2003. The order empowers the national healthcare institute (ISS) to approve tests on individual patients, subject to a risk-versus-benefit assessment and the consent of the patient or relevant parties.