Human Genome Editing: From Ethics to Approval
Science
always revolves around mankind sometime to discover something new, sometime to
resolve an issue, sometime to make things better and sometime to test an
innovation but the ultimate goal of all this is the betterment of life. Like
all living forms everything that happens inside human body is completely
governed by our genetics our genome commands the faith of our body, our system,
our life. If everything goes on perfectly at genome level our life moves on
smoothly but if there is an error it results in to one or other type of genetic
disorder. Many of genetic diseases are a major cause of deaths annually and it
also halts the life of many in multiple ways, finding a solution to all these
diseases is a dream everyone had and we might just be able to achieve it. One
of the possible ways for dealing with these diseases is editing and altering
the human genome with the help of latest gene editing tools, i.e: CRISPR/CAS9.
Ability to alter genes at will is an achievement which can revolutionize the
world in many ways. The human genome editing is one field with in the field of
genome editing which often attains negative reviews especially in recent times
and there are views about it.
Human Genome Editing:
For years
science has been used on multiple occasions bending the nature and reality to
human will enabling mankind to achieve the unthinkable which encourages the
mankind to explore further beyond imagination. For years the mankind has been
making efforts to achieve a new milestone the genetic alteration in living
organisms. The all new CRISPR genome editing has been an essential tool in
fulfilment of this beautiful dream. The all new technology is being used for
manipulation and rewriting the genetic makeup of living entities and
manipulation of entire gene pool deciding the fate of future generations. The
CRISPR tech has been directly used successfully in case of many organisms
except humans. Applying gene editing directly on humans remains a highly
debatable topic with some debating in support of this with implications of
various benefits including cure of genetic disorders, enhancement of physical
and mental capabilities of humans and much more and people opposing the idea
discussing about violation of natures idea of creation, off target effects,
indicating multiple health issues etc. While all this debate was happening in
the world a scientist decided to take the charge and he did the unthinkable.
This attempt and ultimate birth of first ever genetically altered humans created
an entirely new tide in the ocean of science.
The Ethics:
It’s been
almost three months since the Chinese scientist announced the birth of CRISPR
genome edited babies. His announcement met with massive criticism both
domestically and abroad, followed by a series of bans and interrogations and
holds on his further research by the Chinese authorities and a continuous wave
of disapproval and anger from international community. The Chinese scientist
named He Jiankui secretly performed an experiment of altering CCR5 gene in
human embryos which ultimately led to birth of two genetically edited babies (twin
baby girls) this alteration in the genes imparted an immunity to AIDS disease
in new born girls. Although the experiment was a successful one which also laid
a foundation to what can be achieved in the future using this tech in humans
and imparting desired qualities to humans, increased speed, agility, strength
and endurance somewhat achieving everything and changing fantasy in to reality.
This experiment is a reference to the use of gene editing tech successfully in
humans. He Jiankui shared basic knowledge of his research with the
international community and met with a massive criticism.
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| Chinese Scientist He Jiankui |
The Approval:
On one side
He met with a backlash from all around the globe and on the other side many mega
corporations are getting continuous approval for the application of gene
editing in humans. Many of the cases are:
Earlier some reports regarding use of CRISPR in human
medicine by researchers in China were circulating which was later supposedly
abandoned.
Last year around early December a few days after Mr.
He’s announcement Editas a CRISPR start-up by the five pioneers of the tech and
further backed by Pharmaceutical giant allergan, won FDA approval for CRISPR
human trials on a rather limited scale.
Another CRISPR
Start up Intellia Therapeutics in association with Novartis has recently won
approval for the exvivo application of CRISPR gene editing for treating certain
cellular disorders.
Another biotech firm the Sangamo Therapeutics reported
application of SB-FIX driven from ZFN’s for treatment of haemophilia B in human
patients.
Earlier this year an American Scientist from Columbia
University has also reported about his efforts of editing human DNA for
treatment of certain genetic disorders. However the research he is conducting
is claimed to be limited only up to his own lab right now and no where beyond.
But among all this perhaps the biggest news is the most
recent direct application of CRISPR/CAS9 gene editing to human patients in
Europe and Canada. The trial is being conducted by a joint venture between CRISPR
Therapeutics and Vertex Pharmaceuticals for possible treatment of Beta
Thalassemia and Sickle Cell disease.
Conclusion:
On one end
the world has massively criticized the Chinese scientist’s successful efforts for
altering human DNA for the first time, and on the other hands projects funded
by governments or large private corporations with millions of dollars
investments are receiving good coverage and positive reviews. Which raises the
concern is it really about perfecting the application of gene editing for
betterment of mankind or perfecting and then controlling it like some sort of
commodity and playing monopoly tricks with it???
This tech
is definitely a big step forward in history of mankind and efforts should be
made for its easy and possible access for all....
