“Crypto billionaire Brian Armstrong is on the brink of making a significant investment in the controversial and groundbreaking field of CRISPR baby technology. This field, focused on the genetic editing of embryos, could be a game-changer in the realm of genetic modification. Specifically, Armstrong is interested in funding a US-based startup that aims to pioneer this technology.
At a recent dinner gathering, key scientists in the field, including postdoctoral fellow Stepan Jerabek and gene-editing scientist Lucas Harrington, discussed the advancements in base-editing embryos and the potential for establishing an embryo-editing company. Harrington, who was trained under Nobel laureate Jennifer Doudna, hinted at SciFounders’ interest in venturing into this innovative realm of gene editing.
Armstrong’s move marks a significant shift in the biotech landscape. As the billionaire CEO of the cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, his announcement to fund an “embryo editing” effort aimed at targeting an unmet medical need such as a genetic disease, signifies the convergence of cryptocurrency wealth and the cutting-edge field of genetic research. This opens up new prospects for advancements in treating genetic diseases and enhancing human capabilities.
“I think the time is right for the defining company in the US to be built in this area,” Armstrong posted on X June 2. He is actively seeking gene-editing scientists and bioinformatics specialists to form a founding team for this ambitious endeavor.
Armstrong’s plans come at a time when the field of gene-editing has been marred by controversy. The birth of the world’s first genetically edited children in China in 2018, a secretive experiment that led to international outrage and prison time for the lead scientist, led to the stigmatization of the field. However, Armstrong’s backing signals a potential shift in perception and a renewed interest in the commercial viability of this technology.
Dieter Egli, a gene-editing scientist at Columbia University, whose team has briefed Armstrong, suggests that Armstrong’s plans may be driven by recent improvements in editing technology. These advancements have opened up a safer, more precise way to change the DNA of embryos.
With investors like Armstrong recognising the immense potential of CRISPR technology, the field could see rapid growth and transformative breakthroughs in gene editing. As more prominent figures show interest in funding CRISPR-related projects, there is likely to be a surge in research and innovation in this realm. However, alongside this potential growth, there will also be the need for careful regulation and ethical considerations to ensure the responsible use of this powerful technology.”
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