Narra X
Vol. 4 No. 2 (2026): August 2026

Gene therapy for rare diseases marks a new era in precision medicine: Insights from clinical trials

Suprianto Suprianto (Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
Center of Excellence for Medical Genomics, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand)

Yunita Messe (Department of Tropical Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
Raehan AH. Hamzah (Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, The University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom)
Rose CMH. Ortega-Kindica (Department of Biology and Environmental Science, College of Science, University of The Philippines, Cebu, Philippines)
Dian A. Umaroh (Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Tanjungpura, Pontianak, Indonesia)
Yusril IF. Wijaya (Bioinformatics Research Center, Institute of Bioinformatics Indonesia, Malang, Indonesia)
Suryani Musa (Department of Tropical Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
Ian I. Fidhatami (Department of Tropical Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Faculty of Science and Health, Universitas Andi Sudirman, Bone, Indonesia)

Ahmad Ikhsanudin (Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Lampung, Lampung, Indonesia)
Nurnisa Hamid (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand)



Article Info

Publish Date
03 Aug 2026

Abstract

Gene therapy represents an important advance in the treatment of rare diseases, offering precise and transformative therapeutic strategies. As many rare diseases are associated with well-defined genetic variants, they represent ideal candidates for targeted genetic interventions. The substantial unmet medical need associated with rare diseases has driven growing interest in gene therapy, with more than 300 clinical trials reported to date. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current evidence on gene therapy for rare diseases by examining therapeutic strategies, target diseases, clinical progress, clinical outcomes, and emerging research trends. Several approved therapies, including those for hemophilia B, spinal muscular atrophy, metachromatic leukodystrophy, and Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome, have demonstrated the clinical potential of gene therapy. Clinical evidence suggests that gene-based therapies in the management of rare diseases can achieve sustained functional benefits, reduce disease-related complications, and lessen dependence on long-term replacement or supportive treatments. However, challenges in ethical considerations, regulatory requirements, manufacturing complexity, treatment costs, and limited patient access remain. Continued clinical evaluation is essential to further establish long-term safety and effectiveness. Advances in gene therapy technologies and clinical applications continue to expand therapeutic opportunities for rare diseases while supporting the broader development of precision medicine.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

main

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Chemistry Immunology & microbiology Materials Science & Nanotechnology Medicine & Pharmacology Physics Public Health

Description

Narra X is a multidisciplinary journal, published three times in a year (April, August, and December). The journal aims to act as a platform for rapid scientific communication while upholding the highest integrity. Articles are published in a form of Original articles, Short Report, Case Reports, ...