Gene editing is thought by some to be the answer to sustainability issues and diseases. The ethical debate, of course, has come into play in many realms. The concern that this will lead to gene-edited humans is always a hot topic. The method of transgenesis has been around for 35 years. The addition of this knowledge has led to very few cloning trials, overall. The numerical value, however, does not dismiss the significance. It simply supports that the practice is not taking over as previously feared. The other concern is the possibility of foul play should this technology get into the wrong hands. This is also dismissed as a minimal concern, as many things that are good in some way can be used for bad things by the wrong people. Those in support of gene editing make the case to convince the public of its safety, necessity, and inevitability.
Gene editing, for now, is aimed at soybeans and potatoes set to be planted this fall. There is a two-year window before these foods will be made available to consumers. The practice is already at play in the way breeders select for animals planned for food use. Pigs and cows are often chosen for certain qualities; such has no horns on the cows. These are things that are already happening.
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The clinical companies involved are Editas Medicine (Juno Therapeutics), CRISPR Therapeutics (Vertex and Celgene), and Intellia Therapeutics (Novartis). These companies are all trying to produce drugs that will use genetic editing to cure diseases. It could be years, however before any one drug is successful and approved. It may also never happen.
Another company in the clinical stage is Sangamo BioSciences. Precision BioSciences is already developing its products using ARCUS technology. Sangamo is working on the changing of DNA at a predetermined location to remedy problems. The idea is to correct or disrupt a particular gene to get the desired results, usually relief of illness. HIV/ AIDS is thought to be a possible disease that could be handled by gene editing.
Modified T-Cells have been used recently to treat a Leukemia patient. This breakthrough treatment happened in the United Kingdom. The individual was injected with a gene-edited CAR T-Cell. These modified cells were programmed to kill cancer aggressively. Gene edited cells used for cancer were TALEN (trademark) – based and many foods will be, as well.
The different ways this technology works is to attack a disease at its source and alleviate symptoms being caused by the disease. Many modern treatments aim only to treat symptoms, never being able to cure the disease.
Gene editing is thought by some to be the only way to reach a sustainable future through foods made for healthier consumption. Others argue that genetically altered foods will eventually present side-effects in humans on down the road. The debate is ongoing.