Penn researcher James M. Wilson has decided to step down as director of the Institute for Human Gene Therapy. Wilson's resignation will be effective as of July 1, 2002.
Wilson and IHGT came under heavy criticism and scrutiny after his 1999 clinical trials in human genetic research resulted in the death of his 18-year-old-patient Jesse Gelsinger. Since that time, Wilson has continued in his position as director of the IHGT, despite procedures currently underway by the Food and Drug Administration that would bar him from everconducting further research on humans.
Wilson's resignation comes after a review of the IHGT's organization and focus by an eight member committee that was organized in August of 2001. The committee concluded that in order for IHGT to be effective in developing new therapies and conducting research in the ever-growing areas of gene therapy and cell-based science, the Institute needed to "broaden its focus to include cell-based therapies, as well as stem cell biology and molecular virology," School of Medicine Dean Arthur Rubenstein said in a statement Friday.
After discussing these recommendations with Wilson, Rubenstein stated that the two agreed that this would be best accomplished through a significantly restructured organization. In light of these recommendations for a change of scope and direction, Wilson decided to step down.
"We would like to thank the committee for their thoughtful review and advice, and Dr. Wilson for his continuing contributions and support of the advancement of the science at Penn," Rubenstein said.
"The concept of expanding the scope of the institute into emerging new areas such as stem cells is truly exciting," Wilson said in an e-mail statement. "I will do whatever I can to support these initiatives." Wilson said in the statement that he plans to dedicate more time to teaching as well and also work on research for new and improved gene delivery devices for the treatment of a variety of genetic diseases.
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