Nucleus Genomics Unveils Controversial Embryo Testing Product
Nucleus Genomics, a genetic testing startup co-founded by Kian Sadeghi at just 25, launched in 2021 with the aim of assessing disease risks for individuals.
However, for several years now, it has stirred debate with claims that its products can link genetics to various intricate issues, including intelligence. The latest flashpoint came Wednesday when they disclosed a new offering, Nucleus Embryo, via a tweet promising parents next-level tools for their children’s futures.
Nucleus asserts that its technology can evaluate IVF embryos not just for severe hereditary conditions, like certain cancers, but also for traits such as gender, height, eye and hair color, as well as intelligence and certain mental health issues like ADHD.
The promotional video included a visual comparison, hinting at a mechanism for parents to choose which embryos to keep or possibly discard. It raises quite a few eyebrows.
While genetic testing of embryos is not entirely new—IVF practitioners often screen for conditions such as Down syndrome—Nucleus is pushing boundaries further. They utilize contentious “polygenic scores” intended to gauge complex genetic outcomes, including aspects like anxiety, as per a spokesperson’s remarks.
The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) underscores that these polygenic scores merely estimate probabilities of certain illnesses across populations, which differs fundamentally from pinpointing a specific gene associated with a specific risk, like the BRCA1 mutation for breast cancer.
Doctors typically shy away from using such tests for individuals. The NHGRI explains that guidelines for practice on polygenic risk scores are still lacking, and profiles aren’t yet refined enough to be standard in clinical settings.
Nevertheless, Nucleus maintains that its approach can determine individual risks. They referenced a 2018 study where researchers claimed to have validated methods for evaluating five common diseases. Still, that paper largely advocated for screenings to inform personal health decisions.
The Thursday tweet has gone viral, racking up over 4 million views, with numerous comments ranging from skepticism about its effectiveness to outright horror at the implications.
A venture capitalist even chimed in, noting how nauseatingly dystopian the notion felt.
Nucleus is no stranger to controversy. Earlier this year, they faced backlash when they received a $14 million Series A funding round. They’ve got support from prominent investors, including Founders Fund and Alexis Ohanian.
Last year, Sadeghi introduced Nucleus IQ, a product designed to evaluate genetic influence on intelligence, which faced its own share of criticism as “bad science.” Sadeghi later defended the methodologies employed.
However, suggesting that prospective parents can explicitly select traits for their children—like how tall they’ll be—feels like a significant leap, and many people are understandably unsettled by it.
Notably, Nucleus isn’t directly conducting these tests at IVF labs. Instead, they collaborate with Genomic Prediction, which works with various IVF clinics. According to an executive from Genomic Prediction, while some parents request intelligence assessments, they do not offer that option. Parents can voluntarily upload genetic data to Nucleus if they seek that analysis.
As Sadeghi stated in the launch video aimed at potential parents, “Not that long ago, IVF sparked fear and stigma. What was once controversial is now an everyday practice. The same goes for genetic optimization. The technology has arrived, and it’s here to stay.”
