GoKawiilOrigin Genomics Founder Cathy Tie Calls Embryo Gene-Editing a 'Moral Imperative'
Cathy Tie, 30-year-old founder of Origin Genomics—a company launched in March to bring gene-edited embryos to IVF clinics—published a commentary in Trends in Genetics urging public funding and new regulatory pathways for germ-line editing research and eventual clinical use. The push follows the 2018 case of He Jiankui, who was imprisoned after creating the first gene-edited babies, and comes despite bans on embryo editing for pregnancy in dozens of countries.
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Stanford's Hank Greely notes that early human trials without clear warning signs have sometimes ended in deaths, suggesting safety data for embryo editing remains uncertain. Critics argue existing IVF screening already identifies disease-free embryos for most at-risk families, meaning editing could benefit only a small subset of cases—raising questions about whether the risks Tie is downplaying are proportionate to the benefit she describes as a moral imperative.
- Cathy Tie's Origin Genomics launched in March to pursue gene-edited embryos for IVF use.
- Tie's Trends in Genetics commentary calls for public funding and new regulatory pathways.
- Critics say IVF genetic screening already addresses most cases, questioning the need for germ-line editing.
Source: wired.com — Kristen V. Brown, 2026-09-30
Published there as: “A Biotech Founder Makes the Moral Case for Gene-Editing Human Embryos”
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