The WHO said in a press release that the prospective reports are the results of extensive global consultations on various types of gene therapies that involve modifying a patient’s DNA to treat diseases such as germline and germline editing or to cure human embryo development.
WHO’s biennial analysis examined the diverse perspectives of hundreds of scientists, patients, religious leaders, indigenous peoples, etc. The potential benefits of editing the human genome include:
- Faster and more accurate diagnosis.
- More targeted treatments.
- The ability to prevent genetic disorders.
Somatic gene therapies have successfully controlled HIV and sickle cell disease, and the technology can significantly improve the treatment of a wide variety of cancers.
The reports recommend controlling and monitoring human genome editing in nine different areas, including registers; international studies; and illegal, unrecorded, and unethical research.
You will focus on the system-level improvements needed to build capacity in all countries to ensure that human genome editing is safe, efficient, and ethical. The reports also provide a governance framework that identifies specific tools, institutions, and attitudes to highlight the challenges in implementing, regulating, and monitoring human genome research.
The framework provides specific recommendations for a range of scenarios, such as the use of epigenetic or somatic genome editing to improve athletic performance, as well as post-IVF services and pre-implantation genetic diagnostics.
As part of its commitment to education, participation, and empowerment, the UN Health Authority will host regional webinars that focus on regional and local needs. WHO will work on building an inclusive global dialogue on cutting-edge technologies, including working in UN agencies and creating web-based resources for reliable information on these machines, including the publication of the human genome.
