A new biotech startup, Manhattan Genomics (based in New York), has announced plans to develop gene-editing technologies for human embryos, a move that brings the controversial field of heritable genome editing back into sharp focus. (WIRED)
The proposal
Founded by biotech entrepreneur Cathy Tie and scientist Eriona Hysolli, Manhattan Genomics aims to apply cutting-edge gene-editing tools (including CRISPR and base editing) to correct harmful mutations in human embryos. The company has set out a phased plan: initial work in mice, followed by primates, then human embryos — with the goal of eventually offering embryo editing for disease prevention. (WIRED)
Tie states the focus will be disease correction, not genetic enhancement, citing targets such as single-gene disorders like Huntington's disease or Cystic fibrosis. (WIRED)
Why this matters
Heritable genome editing — genetic changes in embryos that are passed to future generations — has long been flagged as ethically problematic, technically risky and heavily regulated (or banned) in many countries. The 2018 case of He Jiankui, who edited human embryos resulting in twin births in China, triggered global outrage and regulatory clampdown. (The New Yorker)
Manhattan Genomics’ announcement illustrates that the field is inching back toward reproductive application, raising questions about safety (off-target mutations, unintended consequences), equity (who gets access), consent (future generations), and slippery slopes (from disease correction to “designer babies”). (WIRED)
Key tensions
Safety & science: Experts caution that while gene-editing is more precise than years ago, embryo editing remains high risk. Mistakes could lead to serious health issues — and would be heritable. (WIRED)
Regulation & oversight: U.S. regulations currently limit embryo editing for reproductive purposes. The company says it aims to work with regulators and be “transparent.” But the path to human trials is uncertain. (WOSU Public Media)
Ethical boundaries: While the startup stresses disease prevention, many fear the line between therapy and enhancement is thin. Critics argue this opens the door to selecting traits, raising eugenics concerns. (WIRED)
Public trust: Given past missteps (e.g., the He Jiankui case) and fears about equity, public and scientific trust will be key—and currently fragile.
What comes next
Manhattan Genomics plans to begin animal studies and build evidence before advancing to human-embryo research (and potentially human clinical use). The timeline and regulatory pathway remain unspecified. (Georgia Public Broadcasting)
In the meantime, the announcement is likely to prompt renewed debate among scientists, ethicists and policymakers about how (and whether) heritable genome editing should advance — and under what conditions.
One of the questions to watch: Will regulators tighten rules, or will they begin to allow more structured trials under guardrails?
