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Title:

Gene Drives: Pursuing Opportunities, Minimizing Risk

Authors:

Kelsey Lane Warmbrod, Amanda Kobokovich, Rachel West, Georgia Ray, Marc Trotochaud, Michael Montague

Date posted:

May 18, 2020

Publication type:

Report

Introduction:

In the future, it may be possible for humans to manipulate entire ecosystems with little continuous input through the use of emerging biotechnologies. Gene drives are one such technology, themselves derived from nature, with the potential to make directed and highly specific modifications to the genetics of entire populations, with repercussions for whole ecosystems. While there has been extensive public analysis of the risks and benefits of gene drives for the control of malaria, which will likely be their first practical application, this report anticipates the world after that initial application.

Here we make recommendations for the responsible governance of gene drives as a used and normalized tool.