Gene editing, once a fictional plot device in movies, is now a technological reality. The FDA, which approved five initial gene therapies in 2017, will have approved 10 in total this year. There are dozens more in clinical development. Dr.Zollie Yavarow will explain the science and explore the myriad ethical questions that blossom as therapeutic use of the technology expands.  How do we decide what is treated with gene therapy and what is not? Who gets access to it? Should we do this at all? Please join us for a thought-provoking evening about an intriguing aspect of modern medicine.

Dr. Zollie Yavarow earned her PhD in Pharmacology and MA in Bioethics and Science Policy from Duke University in 2022. After ten years of research at the laboratory bench, Dr. Yavarow pivoted to the real-world applications of therapeutics she studied by founding Zaris Consulting, an organization providing patient-focused gene therapy consulting and educational science content. She is thrilled to be back in Massachusetts where she grew up, enjoying experimenting with new flavors in the kitchen and spending time by the water. 

This program is made possible through the generous support of the Friends of the Reading Public Library.