A genetic engineering technique that could spark a gene-editing revolution will be tested in 20 human trials, mostly in China, New Scientist reported Tuesday.
One of the CRISPR trials in China will involve the first-ever attempt to edit cells while they are inside the body – aiming to prevent cervical cancers by targeting and destroying the genes of the human papillomavirus (HPV) that cause cancer tumor growth, according to the report.
Gene therapy, which involves adding extra genes to cells, is mainly useful for treating rare genetic disorders; gene editing, which involves altering existing genes inside cells, promises to treat or cure a wider range of conditions, from HIV infection to high blood cholesterol, per New Scientist.
CRISPR genome editing – the acronym stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat – was developed in 2012, aiming for a cheaper and easier way to target almost any gene sequence, according to the report; its first clinical trial on lung cancer is due to finish in 2018.
Clinical trial registries show a dozen more trials with CRISPR are also planned in China that will target conditions including breast, prostate, bladder, esophageal, kidney, colorectal, and Epstein-Barr virus-associated cancers, New Scientist reported.
Clinical trials are also due to start in both Britain and the United States, New Scientist reported.
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