The Next Phase of Human Gene-Therapy Oversight

from NCER:In the US, over 700 investigational trials are ongoing in the gene therapy field, and with the rapid adoption of CRISPR gene editing technology, the NEJM admits that gene therapy will soon be a “mainstay of treatment for many diseases”. In an attempt to remove any obstacles to fast tracking this research, both the FDA and the NIH have just significantly reduced their oversight. They assert that the risks are not unique nor unpredictable …

Gene-editing technique cures genetic disorder in utero

from NCER: On a positive note, in July, Carnegie Mellon University successfully used gene editing to cure disease in mice while in the uterus, with no risk of negative effects. Over 8 M children are born yearly with birth defects, so the implications of this breakthrough are enormous, introducing the possibility of curing them while in the womb!

Study in mice shows promise for treating genetic conditions during early stages of development

Date: July 9, …

WITH EMBRYO BASE EDITING, CHINA GETS ANOTHER CRISPR FIRST

from NCER: In a breakthrough first, Chinese scientists have just boldly used CRISPR to edit diseased genes in viable human embryos created through IVF. Because international ethical guidelines for research are not followed in China, they are comfortable with editing IVF embryos so as to affect future generations, referred to as germline gene editing. Any changes, whether beneficial or harmful, would be inherited by future generations, and therefore would not only violate the rights of …