Ethical and Regulatory Considerations for Developing Gene Therapies Involving Genome Editing

Developing gene therapies involving gene editing is a rapidly evolving field with large potential implications for improving health for both rare and common diseases. Ensuring that these technologies are developed safely, efficiently, and fairly is essential. To better understand the ethical considerations and regulatory requirements and challenges with gene therapies involving gene editing that may advance precision health. Through a multistakeholder workshop and subsequent engagements, multiple ethical and regulatory barriers to developing and implementing gene therapies involving gene editing were identified. Eight major themes emerged that warrant careful consideration, including (1) objectives (treatment, risk reduction, and enhancement) for the intervention; (2) competing interests of safety, equity, and desire for research efficiencies; (3) unique aspects of gene editing related to rare and ultrarare genetic conditions; (4) considerations in the pediatric population; (5) regulatory requirements and ethics oversight; (6) challenges with long-term follow-up and data sharing; and (7) communication. To promote the safe, efficient development of gene therapies involving gene editing that will reach their full potential, all stakeholders will have to undertake an unprecedented degree of collaboration. However, this will be essential to ensure that these interventions are effective, ethically sound, and patient-centered.