Heritable Genetic Modification Debate May Ignite Again As Technology Advances

CBER Director Peter Marks said the US may have to consider whether to maintain its ban on the practice of creating embryos to include heritable genetic modifications if other countries allow the practice.

gene editing
Members of Congress have questioned whether a blanket ban on intentionally creating an embryo for heritable genetic modification could hinder development in some diseases. • Source: Shutterstock

Debate over allowing a form of gene editing that has long been banned in the US may reemerge, in part because of concerns that the country could lose its life science leadership position if firms are unable to pursue the research.

As it stands now, a rider in fiscal year 2023 appropriations legislation states that the US Food and Drug Administration...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Pink Sheet for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from Cell & Gene Therapies

To Compete With China, US FDA Must Deregulate Early Gene Therapy Studies, CAR-T Inventor Says

 

FDA regulation was painted as an obstacle to US dominance in the cell and gene therapy space even as panelists at an agency event praised the Office of Therapeutic Products' track record under Nicole Verdun.

Cell/Gene Therapy Cost Recovery Options Could Include Pre-Approval Public ‘Bridge’ Funding

 
• By 

Expanded funding for cost recovery could dovetail with FDA Commissioner Martin Makary’s idea for a “conditional approval” pathway based on a plausible mechanism of action.

Prasad Says Involvement In US FDA Product Approvals Will Mirror Prior CBER Directors

 

The remarks from the new CBER director suggest Prasad will not be involved in most product-specific decisions.

US FDA Cell-Gene Therapy Head Says Agency Has Revived Stalled Programs

 

CBER's Nicole Verdun wants rare disease sponsors with stalled treatments to circle back because the FDA's evolved thinking on clinical trial designs may offer another opportunity for cast away products.

More from Advanced Technologies

Scientists Work With AI To Uncover ‘Unexpected’ Drug Combos For Breast Cancer

 

A UK research team has used artificial intelligence to find new treatments for cancer using existing US Food and Drug Administration-approved medicines that are not normally not used for the disease.

Australia Looks To Modernize Human Tissue Laws, Improving Access For Researchers

 

Australia is reviewing its human tissue laws for the first time in almost 50 years, and is hoping to reduce barriers to access for scientific researchers, for instance by addressing issues with access to cell lines for developing drugs.

US FDA Cell-Gene Therapy Head Says Agency Has Revived Stalled Programs

 

CBER's Nicole Verdun wants rare disease sponsors with stalled treatments to circle back because the FDA's evolved thinking on clinical trial designs may offer another opportunity for cast away products.