3 ms·
The greatest barrier here is the FDA. They don't let you perform medical interventions (even breakthroughs like this) without going through a rigorous process.
by jforman 11y ago
The greatest barrier here is the FDA. They don't let you perform medical interventions (even breakthroughs like this) without going through a rigorous process. Companies like Editas ($43M Series A) are going through those motions right now.
- mkempe 11y agoThe inevitable consequence will be either the abolition of the FDA; or a chasm between advanced medical therapy readily available in some places outside of the US and sclerotic, bureaucratic "healthcare" in the US. Long-term, where I live will depend on the above outcome.
- deleted 11y ago[deleted]
- jforman 11y agoCRISPR is far from being the first technology to be held up in the United States while being available elsewhere. There is very little chance the FDA will materially budge on their standards, and even less chance the FDA will be abolished. Most people have a high degree of trust in the FDA (they have a 65% favorability rating according to Pew). Note that the FDA does allow some compassionate use of experimental medications and technologies in extreme cases. I'm not familiar with Editas's regulatory strategy but it wouldn't be crazy for them to pursue that avenue for, say, a child cancer patient as an early step. But even they will be cautious, as any misstep (i.e., harm to a patient) will have major negative consequences for the technology as a whole.