One of the most exciting technologies in science today is CRISPR, seemingly with endless possibilities. This gene editing technology is touted to be able to cure diseases, prevent all kinds of human ailments and closer to the realm of science fiction even engineer a better human species devoid of malice and immoral behaviour. We are expecting immense progress from CRISPR in years to come, but this new technology has already come a long way.
Read: CRISPR: How genome editing will change the world forever
Now, for the first time (officially), CRISPR will be used in a study inside the human body. This new study plans to use CRISPR to treat an inherited eye disorder that causes blindness, according to the Associated Press.
This eye disorder that the study will try to remedy affects the function of the retina, which is the collection of light-sensitive cells at the back of the eye that are essential for normal vision. It is one of the most common causes of blindness in children, called Leber congenital amaurosis, which affects about 3 children in 100,000.
The trial, which will be carried out by pharmaceutical companies Editas Medicine and Allergan, will attempt to address a specific variant of LCA called LCA 10. Researchers will use CRISPR to supply a healthy version of a gene that the patients lack through a subretinal injection. It will enroll a total of 18 patients, both children (ages 3 and up) and adults.
What do you think about this study? Do you think we are going too far with science or that CRISPR will ultimately be of huge benefit to the human race? Let us know in the comments below.
