A Silicon Valley startup, supported by notable figures like Sam Altman from OpenAI and Brian Armstrong of Coinbase, is investigating the implications of fears that could potentially lead to genetically engineered babies, as reported. This practice is currently illegal in the US and banned in many other countries.
The firm, named Preventive, aims to eradicate genetic diseases. There’s been quite a stir surrounding the idea of editing human embryos, raising intense discussions about ethics, safety, and the troubling concept of designer babies, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Founded earlier this year by gene-editing expert Lucas Harrington, Preventive has raised $30 million and established its base in San Francisco, focusing on embryo modifications to prevent genetic conditions.
The company asserts that its goal is to demonstrate the technology’s safety and transparency before any attempts at making babies are undertaken.
Altman and Armstrong were among the initial investors in the firm. Reports indicate that Altman’s husband, Oliver Mulherin, spearheaded the investment to help families evade genetic disorders.
Armstrong, who advocates for embryo editing, expressed his enthusiasm publicly, suggesting that rectifying genetic flaws before birth is far less complicated than treating diseases later on.
However, federal law stops the FDA from considering applications for trials involving gene-edited embryos meant to initiate pregnancies.
Harrington, who completed his PhD under CRISPR pioneer Jennifer Doudna, has clarified that Preventive is not preparing to implant edited embryos or collaborate with couples for such endeavors.
He emphasized the company’s commitment to preclinical research aimed at assessing the safe application of embryo editing.
“We’re not in a hurry,” Harrington remarked to the Journal.
“We believe in being transparent in our research and will disclose the results, whether they’re good or bad.”
Insiders mentioned that Preventive is considering operations in foreign locations, like the UAE, where embryo editing regulations might be more permissive.
Harrington pointed out that this consideration is purely due to regulatory challenges, not an attempt to escape oversight.
The company has engaged an advisor specializing in reproductive medicine and genetics. Preventive describes itself as a public benefit corporation, allowing it to prioritize social advantages alongside profit.
Its charter outlines its mission as advancing genome-editing technologies responsibly for the betterment of humanity.
This endeavor evokes memories of the 2018 incident when Chinese scientist He Jiankui created the first gene-edited babies, twins whose genes were altered for HIV resistance. He spent three years in jail for his illegal practices, and the long-term impacts on those children remain unclear, with their identities kept confidential.
Harrington’s initiative is part of a broader trend in Silicon Valley, where investments in reproductive genetics are increasing.
Biotech entrepreneur Kathy Tai is a co-founder of Manhattan Genomics, and California-based Bootstrap Bio is also delving into embryo editing, both facing scrutiny from bioethicists and regulatory bodies as they consider trials outside the US.
Critics caution that commercial embryo editing could veer into eugenics territory.
“They’re either lying, delusional, or both,” commented Fyodor Urnov from Berkeley’s Institute for Innovative Genomics. “These individuals, equipped with poorly managed funding, are pursuing ‘baby enhancement.’”
Supporters contend that the focus is primarily medical, not aesthetic.
Harrington and his team stress that their initial targets will be serious monogenic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia. In such cases, if both parents carry the same genetic defect, natural conception of a healthy child via traditional IVF isn’t feasible.
The newspaper attempted to contact Preventive, Altman, and Armstrong for additional remarks.
