Expert says knowledge of genetics must be put to use

WITH one in every 33 babies in Ireland born with a genetic disorder, our lack of new therapies is unacceptable, a leading Irish medical expert declared yesterday.

Chief executive of the Dublin Molecular Medicine Centre (DMMC), Dr Pierre Meulien, said the discoveries that have been made must now be used to develop treatments that were effective and affordable for patients and the Government.

“What we need to do now is build a national clinical infrastructure that allows the translation of that knowledge,” said Dr Meulien, who is also vice-chair of the European Platform for Patient Organisations, Science and Industry (EPPOSI).