---
title: "Gene Therapy: Definition, Types & Regulation"
description: "Gene therapy treats disease by altering a patient's genetic material. Covers somatic vs germline editing, CRISPR, India's CDSCO rules, and key UPSC GS3 facts."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/gene-therapy"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Gene therapy is a medical technique that treats or prevents disease by introducing, removing, or altering genetic material within a patient's cells.
- What is the difference between somatic and germline gene therapy?
- Which authorities regulate gene therapy in India?
- How does gene therapy differ from CRISPR gene editing?
- Why is gene therapy ethically contested?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Gene therapy is a medical technique that treats or prevents disease by introducing, removing, or altering genetic material within a patient's cells.

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## Timeline

1. 14 September 1990

   The first authorized human gene-transfer trial took place in the United States on , when researchers at the National Institutes of Health treated a four-year…

2. 16 November 2023

   On the United Kingdom's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency authorised Casgevy, the first CRISPR-based therapy, for sickle-cell disease and…

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In December 2023 the US FDA approved Casgevy, the first CRISPR-based gene therapy, to treat sickle-cell disease, following the UK MHRA's authorisation a month earlier.

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