Human Genome Editing: From Ethics to Approval

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.

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....