Katalin Karikó is working with her daughter on a therapy for hereditary diseases

A Nobel Prize-winning biochemist discussed his recent ventures in gene therapy for hereditary diseases, including ALS and Huntington's disease. He highlighted ongoing clinical trials in Australia for an oral drug targeting genetic mutations. Additionally, he is involved in CAR-T cell therapy for blood cancers and mRNA-based treatments for fungal infections at the University of Szeged. Karikó emphasized the global expansion of mRNA technology in vaccine development, including cancer vaccines. He criticized the funding distribution for research, suggesting a random allocation might benefit basic research more effectively. The biochemist noted the increased clinical trials due to profits from mRNA vaccines, while also addressing challenges in the FDA's approval processes.