Hi everyone,

I've had an idea for a few years that I'd like to start moving towards trying to implement. It's inspired by David Pearce's Hedonistic Imperative.

The idea is to sketch out a detailed road map for developing an in vivo gene therapy for mood improvement. It seems like the essential technology for this now exists, but I haven't seen any sign of anyone working practically on this specific problem. Presumably some day some big biotech company will take this on, but I'm curious whether some enthusiastic amateurs can make any meaningful progress. Things like:

- Fleshing out the technical theory of a therapy. I'm thinking AAV-based, but open to other ideas. What specific viral (or other) vector variant to use, what promoter, what transgene to try, how to deliver to the target brain area, potential side effects, etc. Eventually aiming towards a fully designed viral vector code, with delivery method.

- Thinking about testing. Assume we think we have achieved the previous step. Without the backing or budget of a major lab, how difficult is it to carry out animal tests? Could it be done somewhere in the world with sufficient scientific standards but lower cost and/or regulatory barriers?

- Ultimately human testing will be the end goal, this is well down the road and probably the most challenging aspect but still worth thinking about.

Rather than thinking in terms of attracting capital, licensing, commercialization etc, I want to focus on establishing a working therapy, though of course some capital would be required to get anything done.

I have some ideas about these things of course, but would like to get more brains involved if there is interest. For example, I lack the expertise to bridge the gap between designing a viral vector and having something physically ready to administer to an organism.

Alternatively if anyone knows anyone who's already working on a similar project I'd appreciate being pointed in the right direction. I'm already in discussion with someone from a project with similar aims but focusing more on germline therapy.

Please comment or PM me if interested or have questions!