The discovery of CRISPR gene editing in 2012 was a major advance in the treatment of genetic disorders. The technique has already led to cures for several conditions including leukaemia, thalassemia and more recently, sickle cell disease. However, the editing of twin embryos in China in 2018 to make them more resistant to HIV infection, led to widespread concern and a moratorium on further germline editing is currently in effect until 2035. This session will explore both the promise and peril of human gene editing including its potential for widening inequality.
