Human gene editing therapies are OK in certain cases, panel advises

Expert group recommends long-term tracking, other restrictions for germline tinkering

bubble boy

EDITING OUT DISEASE  Gene therapy can cure a genetic disease called severe combined immunodeficiency, or “bubble boy,” disease. Using new gene editing techniques like CRISPR/Cas9 to treat genetic diseases is fine under certain conditions, but it should not be used to enhance people, a panel of experts says.

LAURENT/BSIP SA/Alamy Stock Photo

Human gene editing to prevent genetic diseases from being passed to future generations may be permissible under certain conditions, a panel of experts says.