Retrovirus mediated hematopoietic gene therapy: A European regulatory perspective with special focus on the situation in Germany

Retrovirus mediated gene therapy has already proven to be more than just a theoretical option to treat patients with severe genetic defects. Clinical gene therapy trials of X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency or adenosine deaminase deficiency have demonstrated the success and potential benefit of the therapy. Nevertheless, the complexity of the therapeutic products and their biological origin, as well as virus-related safety concerns require the need of a strict regulatory framework in order to guarantee the quality of the individual products and safety of the patients. The aim of this review is to give an overview of the rapidly evolving regulatory framework of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products in Europe. We will summarize the most important regulatory documents to be considered before entering the clinical development phase-not only from a German but also from a European perspective.