Researchers to Join Baxter Division’s Gene Therapy Unit

About 20 researchers at the Baxter International division here will be part of the company’s new gene therapy unit aimed at developing new treatments for cancer, hemophilia and diabetes.

William Johnston, head of the newly formed unit, said the effort will be coordinated from Round Lake, Ill., but no researchers will be moved from the Santa Ana facility, which is home to the company’s immunotherapy division.

The researchers are trying to develop ways to deliver doses of healthy genes to patients with life-threatening illnesses.