Biotech Founder Makes the Moral Case for Gene-Editing Human Embryos

Biotech entrepreneur Cathy Tie, founder of Origin Genomics, argues that editing human embryos should move forward as a “moral imperative,” pushing for public funding and new regulatory pathways. In a commentary in Trends in Genetics, Tie seeks to bring gene-edited embryos to IVF clinics, though she acknowledges key uncertainties about the evidence needed to demonstrate safety for pregnancy and the risks that could remain for future children. The article notes germ-line editing changes cells involved in reproduction and could be passed to later generations. It also highlights that many countries ban embryo editing intended for pregnancy, partly due to off-target DNA changes and the need for robust safety data.