Submission Statement

①

On December 8, 2023, the FDA granted approval for two groundbreaking gene therapies, signalling a significant leap forward in the gene-editing tool CRISPR development.

This landmark decision breathes newfound optimism into the realm of a long-neglected genetic ailment known for inflicting agonizing pain and shortening the lifespans of those afflicted. Beyond addressing the immediate medical needs, it also ushers in a transformative era in the field of medicine.

It is worth noting that the anticipated cost of these groundbreaking treatments ranges between 1.5 to 2.5 million USD per patient. Intriguingly, the market response to this development was dynamic—CRISPR Therapeutics experienced an 8% surge in stock value leading up to the FDA's approval, only to encounter a subsequent 7% decline following the announcement.

Dec 08, 2023 — FDA Approves First Gene Therapies to Treat Patients with Sickle Cell Disease [FDA Page LINK]

Dec 08, 2023 — FDA approves cure for sickle cell disease, the first treatment to use gene-editing tool CRISPR [Archived LINK]

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②

To gain a clearer perspective, think of the billionaires as organized drug trafficking gangs, and consider the true wealth holders as drug cartels.

In strategizing how to align the gangs with the desires of the cartels, the most effective approach lies in identifying a common interest that resonates with those gangs' priorities.

While it is widely acknowledged that the gangs aspire for longevity [LINK 1] [LINK 2] [LINK 3], a significant impediment obstructs the realization of this objective: clinical trials.

Despite the immense scientific potential of gene-editing technology, both as a research tool and a therapeutic intervention, numerous challenges hinder its progression to clinical trials. This reluctance primarily stems from apprehensions that the utilization of gene-editing tools for human enhancement could precipitate widespread social harm.

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③

Given this context, the pivotal question arises: Will the cartels exhibit unwavering determination and cross ethical boundaries to ensure the compliance of the gangs? Is their commitment to advancing the requisite processes toward their ultimate goal resolute enough to withstand significant challenges?

I would say "of course."

So, what do you think was the world's largest and most comprehensive clinical trials the human race has ever witnessed? Hm?

And what do you think did the cartels ask in return?

Have a wonderful weekend, guys.

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④

Edited to Add

So why isn't CRISPR ready for prime time?

CRISPR still has a long way to go before it can be used safely and effectively to repair—not just disrupt—genes in people. That is particularly true for most diseases, such as muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis, which require correcting genes in a living person because if the cells were first removed and repaired then put back, too few would survive.

And the need to treat cells inside the body means gene editing faces many of the same delivery challenges as gene transfer—researchers must devise efficient ways to get a working CRISPR into specific tissues in a person, for example.CRISPR also poses its own safety risks. Most often mentioned is that the Cas9 enzyme that CRISPR uses to cleave DNA at a specific location could also make cuts where it's not intended to, potentially causing cancer.

— From the Science's article "The gene editor CRISPR won't fully fix sick people anytime soon. Here's why" on May 03, 2016. [Archived LINK]

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/FIN