A US biotech company, Preventive, backed by prominent investors including Sam Altman and Brian Armstrong, is reportedly pursuing a project to edit human embryos to eliminate hereditary illnesses. The startup, founded by gene-editing scientist Lucas Harrington, aims to achieve a “biological first” by using the technology to create a child free of genetic disorders. Although gene editing is already used in postnatal treatments, editing embryos with the intent of creating babies is currently banned in the US and many other countries.
Preventive’s goal is to “end hereditary disease by editing human embryos before birth,” a claim that has sparked intense debate over ethics, safety, and the potential for designer children. The company has been seeking locations where embryo editing is legal to conduct its research and has recently announced that it has raised $30 million to explore the technology.
The involvement of high-profile investors such as Armstrong, the co-founder of Coinbase, has drawn attention to the project. According to reports, Armstrong has discussed the possibility of using gene editing to produce children who are less prone to illness and has even suggested unveiling a healthy engineered baby to gain public acceptance of the practice. However, critics argue that such ventures risk crossing into eugenics, with some experts warning that the pursuit of “baby improvement” could have unintended consequences.
The use of gene editing in human embryos is a highly contested issue, with many countries imposing strict regulations or bans on the practice. While some argue that it could lead to significant advances in the prevention of genetic diseases, others raise concerns about the potential risks and ethical implications. As Preventive and other companies push forward with embryo editing research, the debate is likely to continue, with many calling for careful consideration and regulation of the technology.
The development of gene editing technologies has been rapid in recent years, with scientists making significant progress in using tools like CRISPR to edit genes in living organisms. However, the application of these technologies in human embryos raises complex questions about the boundaries of scientific research and the potential consequences of tampering with human genetics. As the discussion around Preventive’s project continues, it is likely that the international community will be watching closely, weighing the potential benefits against the potential risks and ethical concerns.