U.S. Scientists Fix Disease Genes In Human Embryos For 1st Time

Although there is still room for improvement, scientists are working in U.S. labs using gene editing to correct a disease-causing mutation in feasible human embryos.

“There are still a lot of safety issues, a lot of legal and ethical issues,” even in medical uses, said Partner Michael Werner, who is also the executive director of the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine in Washington, D.C. The group advocates the use of gene therapy to treat diseases, but has created a boundary at treating embryos.

“You are talking about permanently changing the genome of a person without their consent,” Mr.Werner said. “That’s an ethical question even if the technical challenges and safety get worked out.”

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