Core Memory Cathy Tie Is Ready To Gene Edit Babies
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Sep 3, 2025 Cathy Tie, Co-founder and CEO of the Manhattan Project, is at the forefront of gene editing with ambitions that sprawl from modifying embryos to creating unicorns. In a whirlwind year, she discusses her controversial partnerships, including her ties to Dr. He, and her bold vision for disease prevention through gene editing. Tie navigates the ethical complexities of IVF and the regulatory landscape across the US and China, advocating for open dialogue in biotechnology and exploring the societal implications of her groundbreaking work.
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Push For Transparent Germline Research
- Cathy Tie argues germline editing discussion has stagnated and needs transparency, IRB approval, and public alignment.
- She believes responsible, ethical research can push science to prevent heritable disease.
Start With Single-Gene Diseases
- Focus initial applications on monogenic, well-understood diseases rather than polygenic traits or enhancements.
- Draw a strict line at disease prevention to remain scientifically and ethically responsible.
Embryo Editing Is Technically Efficient
- Embryo editing uses a single microinjection to change all cells, making it technically more effective and cheaper than somatic therapies.
- New methods like base editing reduce double-strand breaks and off-target risks.