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John Thomas

Showing 1–3 of 3 transcripts.

  1. Milken Institute1h 1m

    Editing the Genome: Promise and Peril

    Jonathan Thomas, David Agus, David Baltimore, Amander Clark, Hank Greely, John Thomas

    A panel of biomedical experts characterizes the current period as a golden era in biological research, driven by the Supreme Court's decision to ban human gene patents and the rapid deployment of CRISPR-Cas9 technology. While somatic cell editing is already treating conditions like sickle cell disease, the discussion highlights that germline editing remains legally blocked in the U.S. and poses significant technical risks, including off-target mutations. The experts advocate for a global, scientist-led regulatory framework similar to the 1975 Asilomar Conference to address ethical concerns regarding genetic enhancement and security threats from non-human applications.

  2. Milken Institute1h 1m

    After Ebola and Zika: Preparing for the Next Pandemic

    Cristina Alesci, Anthony Banbury, Dara Erck, Raul Ruiz, Rajeev Venkayya, Michelle, Aaron Bedtru, Susanna Amos, John Thomas

    UN Assistant Secretary General Anthony Banbury, ARISE VP Dara Erk, Representative Rajiv Ruiz, and Takeda President Rajiv Venkay convened to analyze critical failures in the 2014 Ebola response and assess threats from emerging pathogens like Zika and antimicrobial resistance. The panelists advocated for shifting from reactive crisis management to proactive infrastructure investment, specifically calling for "push incentives" in pharmaceutical R&D and a $1.9 billion Zika funding package to address systemic financing and regulatory gaps. These discussions culminated in the operationalization of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), which aims to establish global pandemic insurance mechanisms and standardize rapid vaccine deployment strategies.

  3. Milken Institute59 min

    Four Ways Stem Cells Will Change the Face of Medicine

    John Thomas, Eugene Brandon, Paula Cannon, Jill Helms, Alison Watry

    Established in 2010 via Proposition 71, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine has allocated over $2.2 billion to fund 65 entities, effectively bridging the "Valley of Death" between speculative research and commercial viability for incurable diseases. Recent breakthroughs include Dr. Eugene Brandon's encapsulated stem cell therapy for Type 1 diabetes, Dr. Paula Cannon's HIV-editing gene therapy trials, and Dr. Jill Helms's bone regeneration protocols using Wnt3a protein. Despite surging public support and promising clinical timelines for 2020 and beyond, the initiative faces a critical sustainability challenge as its $3 billion fund approaches depletion within three years while the NIH withdraws early-stage regenerative support.