Dr. Hans Peter Kiem

Biography

Dr. Hans-Peter Kiem is a world-renowned pioneer in stem-cell gene therapy development and new gene-editing technologies. His work focuses on developing improved treatments and curative approaches for patients with genetic and infectious diseases, as well as cancer. In his lab, he designs and selects enzymes known as nucleases, including CRISPR/Cas, which function as molecular scissors capable of accurately disabling defective genes. By combining gene therapy's ability to repair problematic genes with the regenerative capabilities of stem cells, he aims to achieve cures for a range of diseases including HIV, leukemia, and brain cancer. Through preclinical models of HIV, he and his colleagues demonstrated the ability to modify a key viral entry gene to prevent it from working in transplanted blood stem cells. Dr. Kiem is also committed to making gene therapy and gene editing broadly available and accessible to patients living with HIV, particularly in resource-limited settings. He holds multiple prestigious appointments and has contributed significantly to the field of hematology and oncology, as well as gene therapy innovation.

Research Interests

Experience