Scientists at Essex University have developed a unique technique to help in the fight to cure inherited diseases such as cystic fibrosis.

And a Scandinavian firm has already agreed to invest thousands of pounds in developing this new technology.

Most traditional methods used to introduce new genes into human cells are very inefficient and cause many cells to die.

But the biological scientists led by Dr David Rickwood have devised a method that allows scientists to introduce new genes, or DNA, into cells without killing them.

A new biotechnology company based at the university has already been created and patented the discovery.

Named Immunoporation Limited, it has signed a major agreement with biotechnology company Dynal AS, of Oslo in Norway which will invest £750,000 over the next five years.

Kits based on the technique will be available by the end of the year.

Dr Rickwood, lecturer in cell and molecular biology, and director of Immunoporation said: "Our discovery has enormous potential, as the method can be readily adapted for a variety of gene therapy procedures.

"Genetic diseases, such as muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis are the last major area where medicine can do nothing to cure patients."

Mr Rickwood said doctors can minimise patients' symptoms, but cannot cure them. He said: "Our discovery provides a solution to the first obstacle, as it enables scientists to get new genes into the cell without destroying it."

It uses a new type of coated magnetic bead to target specific types of cell. DNA is transferred efficiently with the method and most cells stay alive after they have been treated.

Diseases linked to blood cells like sickle cell anaemia and haemophilia will also be helped by the discovery.

"We now hope to develop the technique further by looking at how to get the DNA to work properly inside the cell," Mr Rickwood added.

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