Editas Medicine Comments in Connection with International Summit on Human Gene Editing
Cambridge, Mass., December 1, 2015 – Therapeutic applications of genome editing, including CRISPR-based technologies, have the potential to yield transformative new treatments for patients with genetically-defined diseases by directly correcting disease- causing genes. At Editas Medicine, our research focuses on finding new treatments for grievous human illnesses where few or no other treatment options exist today. These treatments rely on editing somatic cells, also referred to as non-germline or non- reproductive cells, and we do not attempt to alter human germline cells or embryos. Treatments that target somatic cells have the potential to alleviate the suffering associated with a broad range of diseases, and in our view, it is vital that all stakeholders in the dialogue around genome editing keep the needs of patients, their families, and their caregivers at the center of the conversation.
We are strong proponents of a thorough, data-driven discussion around the safe and ethical use of therapeutic human genome editing technologies. Accordingly, we support the ongoing global discourse around key issues related to genome editing, including the International Summit on Human Gene Editing being hosted this week by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, the U.S. National Academy of Medicine, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the U.K.'s Royal Society. This is an exciting time for the medical and scientific community as we work together to translate the promise of CRISPR-based genome editing into potential treatments for some of the most challenging diseases facing individuals and society today.
About Editas Medicine
Editas Medicine is a leading genome editing company and part of a transformational new area of health care – genomic medicine. The company was founded by pioneers and world leaders in genome editing bringing specific expertise in CRISPR/Cas9 and TALE technologies. The Company's mission is to translate its proprietary technology into novel solutions to treat a broad range of genetically-driven diseases. For more information, visit www.editasmedicine.com.
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