The Intelligence from The Economist Gene genies: CRISPR’s critical moment
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Apr 18, 2025 
Emily Steinmark, a writer for The Economist's technology quarterly, and Leo Marani, the Asia correspondent based in Mumbai, delve into the transformative potential of CRISPR technology in medicine and agriculture. They discuss the challenges and regulatory hurdles that accompany this Nobel-winning innovation. The conversation shifts to Asia's surging gold demand, particularly in India, exploring the cultural and economic factors behind it. Lastly, they touch on the alarming trend of New Zealanders emigrating due to economic dissatisfaction.
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CRISPR's Gene Editing Revolution
- CRISPR gene editing allows for precise, repeatable changes to DNA using molecular scissors borrowed from bacterial DNA.
- It enables rewriting DNA letter by letter to remove harmful mutations or add protective ones, revolutionizing genetics.
CRISPR Therapy Progress and Challenges
- CRISPR therapies have started reaching market, exemplified by a $2 million treatment for sickle cell disease.
- Progress is fast but high cost, difficulty of treatment, and regulation slow wider adoption.
Streamline CRISPR Regulation
- Regulators should ease safety testing for unique CRISPR-based treatments to speed access for patients with rare mutations.
- Governments must differentiate gene-edited foods from traditional GM regulation to foster innovation in agriculture.