DARPA “Safe Genes” Program
Last week, the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) created a program called “Safe Genes” with an award of a $65 million in research funding. Seven research teams will share the funding, all dedicated to the broader goal of improving the accuracy and safety of CRISPR gene editing techniques. DARPA’s stated goals include improving the understanding of gene editing technologies, more predictably harnessing them for beneficial uses, and addressing issues of intentional or accidental misuse that could caused potential health and security problems.
