But the possibilities are broader. Treatments for cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, and even some forms of blindness are being studied. In 2024, trials began for a therapy for Huntington’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder previously considered a death sentence.
However, CRISPR is not a panacea. There are risks: editing errors (off-target effects), unpredictable mutations, and ethical dilemmas. In 2018, Chinese scientist He Jiankui announced the birth of the first “edited” children, sparking a global scandal. The scientific community condemned the experiment as irresponsible.
Nevertheless, the technology is evolving. More precise versions have emerged: Base Editing and Prime Editing—they don’t cut DNA, but “rewrite” letters, like a word processor. This reduces risks and opens the door to treating complex, multifactorial diseases.
CRISPR is also transforming agriculture: drought-resistant plants, hypoallergenic peanuts, and tomatoes with increased vitamin content are being developed. This isn’t GMOs in the old sense, but precision breeding, accelerated thousands of times.
But the main challenge is accessibility. Casgevy therapy costs $2.2 million. It’s unaffordable for most. Science has conquered disease. Now we must conquer inequality.
In conclusion, CRISPR is more than just a discovery. It is a new chapter in human evolution. We are no longer just observers of nature. We are its editors. And the future of more than one generation depends on how we use this power.
