Concerns Over Biotech Startup’s Gene Editing Research

It seems we might be entering uncharted territory.

Senator John Cornyn from Texas has expressed alarm over a biotech startup, Preventive PBC, which has gathered around $30 million for researching fetal diseases. This company, based in San Francisco and supported by prominent tech figures, is developing early-stage gene-editing technology intended for humans.

Cornyn, a Republican, urges the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure Preventive adheres to established regulations surrounding gene-editing practices. In a letter addressed to Health Department Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., he stated, “All parents want their children to live the healthiest lives possible, but these types of technological advancements, whether intentional or not, will have serious consequences.”

He further remarked, “Some of life’s problems must be left to our Creator, not to Silicon Valley elites.”

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal highlighted that while modifying infants genetically is illegal, Preventive is pursuing gene editing in embryos to combat inherited conditions.

This startup has attracted funding from notable tech leaders, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong. Their mission aims to prevent severe genetic conditions in future generations.

Proponents within the scientific community argue that waiting to treat symptoms until they manifest is ineffective. They believe it’s more efficient to address genetic issues at an embryonic stage.

On the flip side, pro-life advocates raise the point that a fetus is considered human from conception, presenting a fundamental moral dilemma.

The backbone of Preventive’s research is rooted in CRISPR technology, which enables precise modifications to DNA within living cells.

Cornyn, who is in a challenging Republican primary, sees the potential for such advancements to lead to a revival of eugenics. He mentioned in his letter, “While some may insist that gene editing is simply to prevent genetic diseases, we must acknowledge the genuine risk of creating ‘designer children.'” He added, “Scientific progress cannot lead to immoral eugenic practices. The drive to enhance embryos may create pressures to eliminate those lacking preferred traits.”

The senator also pointed out that Congress has previously limited federal funding for genetic modifications of human embryos, and highlighted that the FDA cannot review applications involving embryo editing.

In response to Cornyn’s concerns, Preventive co-founder Lucas Harrington assured that their focus remains solely on laboratory studies evaluating safety. He stated, “We are not involved in any application to human patients… We comply with all applicable regulations and believe that gene modifications should aim to prevent serious diseases if proven safe.”

Preventive also asserts on its website that human applications of their gene-editing technology will not occur until thorough safety evaluations are completed.

The company emphasizes, “We will not compromise safety standards to accelerate schedules.”

However, leaked documents from the Wall Street Journal indicate that Preventive is considering locations, like the United Arab Emirates, where embryo editing is permitted.

To date, only three children are known to have been born from edited embryos. These cases involved a Chinese scientist, He Jiankui, who was imprisoned for conducting unauthorized experiments. The identities of these children remain undisclosed.

Cornyn has reiterated the need for the Department of Health to confirm that companies in this space are legally compliant and has requested a summary of the measures being taken to ensure this. The Post has sought comments from HHS.

In closing, the letter from the senators acknowledged the promise of gene therapy technology, which could profoundly change lives for those afflicted by severe diseases like sickle cell disease, neuromuscular disorders, and certain cancers. However, they emphasized the necessity of distinguishing these treatments from embryonic gene editing.