Gene therapy, a revolutionary approach to treating inherited diseases, holds immense promise. By modifying a patient's genes, it offers the potential for cures previously unimaginable. However, the high cost of developing and administering these therapies presents a significant challenge, particularly regarding equitable access. The production process is incredibly complex, requiring extensive research, sophisticated equipment, and highly specialized personnel. This complexity drives up the price tag, making these life-saving treatments unaffordable for many. Consider the case of a groundbreaking gene therapy for a rare genetic disorder. While effective, the treatment costs millions of dollars per patient, placing it beyond the reach of most families, even with comprehensive insurance. This stark disparity underscores the ethical dilemma: how can we ensure that groundbreaking medical advancements benefit everyone, not just the wealthy? The issue is further complicated by global health disparities. In developing countries, where healthcare infrastructure is often weak and resources are limited, access to even basic medical care is a struggle. Introducing expensive gene therapies into such contexts is unrealistic without significant international cooperation and investment in healthcare infrastructure. Furthermore, the intellectual property rights surrounding gene therapies can restrict access, as pharmaceutical companies seek to maximize profits from their investments. Various proposals have been put forth to address this challenge. These include government subsidies, innovative payment models, and increased research into more cost-effective gene therapy methods. The debate continues to evolve, emphasizing the urgent need to balance the potential benefits of this transformative technology with the necessity of ensuring its accessibility to all. The future of gene therapy depends not only on scientific progress but also on ethical considerations and economic solutions that prioritize global health equity.
1. The passage primarily focuses on which of the following tensions?
2. According to the passage, what is the primary factor driving the high cost of gene therapy?
3. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a proposed solution to address the accessibility issues of gene therapy?
4. The author's tone in this passage can best be described as:
5. The phrase "global health equity" in the concluding paragraph refers to: