Origin Genomics founder advocates for human embryo gene editing

Origin Genomics, a New York-based biotechnology startup, is working to develop technology for repairing defective genes in human embryos. Founded by CEO Cathy Tie, the company uses stem cells extracted from donated embryos—which carry life-threatening genetic mutations—to test experimental gene editors. The goal is to identify molecular tools that can safely correct genetic defects to prevent future generations from inheriting certain diseases.

Tie has argued in the journal Trends in Genetics that advancing gene-edited embryos is a “moral imperative.” She is calling for public funding and new regulatory pathways to move toward clinical use. However, the practice remains illegal in dozens of countries due to safety concerns.

Critics and legal experts, including Stanford University professor Hank Greely, highlight the risks of “off-target effects,” where accidental DNA edits could introduce new health risks that are passed down to future generations. While current IVF methods allow for genetic screening to identify disease-free embryos, proponents of gene editing argue that the technology could provide solutions for families that screening alone cannot address.