Embryo Editing Meets Reality: Manhattan Genomics Shuts Down
The controversial embryo-editing startup Manhattan Genomics appears to have collapsed less than six months after its launch due to co-founder conflict.
Manhattan Genomics
Manhattan Genomics is a biotechnology startup based in New York that aims to prevent severe inherited diseases through embryo gene correction. Co-founded by Thiel Fellow Cathy Tie Dr. Eriona Hysolli, a former lead scientist at Colossal Biosciences, the company has assembled a team of leading scientists and ethicists to guide what it calls “a new era of genomic medicine.” Its work centers on refining next-generation editing tools such as base editing and prime editing to safely and precisely repair genetic mutations. While current US law prohibits bringing gene-edited embryos to term, Manhattan Genomics is conducting preclinical studies in animals and lab-grown cells to build evidence that embryo editing can one day be done ethically, transparently, and under full regulatory oversight.
‘China’s Frankenstein’ and ‘Biotech Barbie’ Go Separate Ways in Gene Editing Push
For a few months this year, Cathy Tie and Dr. He Jiankui were biotech’s most controversial couple. Now, both are pursuing new gene-editing ventures on opposite sides of the world.