Health Wanted CRISPR
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Dec 12, 2025 Ben Hurlbut, a bioethicist and associate professor, dives deep into the ethical implications of CRISPR in this engaging conversation. He discusses the balance between innovation and ethics, especially after the controversial actions of He Jiankui. Hurlbut emphasizes the importance of public dialogue around genetic editing, urging society to consider the 'shoulds' before the 'cans.' The discussion also touches on the equity of access to new therapies and the necessity for ongoing ethical considerations in the biotechnology landscape.
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Hype Versus Biological Reality
- Translating CRISPR to safe human therapies proved harder than hype suggested due to off-target edits and delivery challenges.
- Investor impatience followed when scientific progress met complex biological realities.
Where CRISPR Works Today
- Current CRISPR successes focus on liver and blood where delivery and ex vivo editing work best.
- These targeted wins enabled FDA approval for some blood disorders but remain costly and complex.
Custom CRISPR For A Single Infant
- Doctors used CRISPR to treat an infant with a rare ammonia-processing liver mutation, showing personalized success.
- The effort required millions and rapid donated work from companies and scientists to succeed.