Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the controversial emergence of companies focusing on gene editing technologies, particularly in relation to human embryos, highlighting the recent activities of Cathy Tie and her company Manhattan Genomics, as well as the ethical and safety concerns surrounding such advancements [2][10][11]. Company Overview - Cathy Tie, a Canadian entrepreneur, has founded multiple biotechnology companies over the past 11 years, including her latest venture, Manhattan Genomics, which aims to edit human embryo genes to prevent genetic diseases [4][8]. - Manhattan Genomics was co-founded by Cathy Tie and Eriona Hysolli, who previously worked at Colossal Biosciences, a company focused on resurrecting extinct species through gene editing [9][10]. Industry Developments - On October 30, 2025, Manhattan Genomics announced key employee hires, including a bioethicist and experts in non-human primate reproductive biology, as part of their preparation for potential CRISPR baby projects [10]. - Preventive, another company exploring gene editing in human embryos, recently secured nearly $30 million in funding, indicating a growing interest and investment in this controversial area [10]. Ethical and Safety Concerns - The scientific community largely agrees that commercializing gene editing in human embryos is premature, given the significant safety risks and ethical dilemmas compared to existing CRISPR therapies approved for conditions like sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia [11][12]. - Editing embryos poses unique challenges, as changes would affect nearly every cell in the body and could be passed on to future generations, raising unpredictable consequences [13]. Technological Context - CRISPR technology, recognized as a groundbreaking biotechnological advancement, received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020, yet its application in human embryos remains heavily restricted in many countries, including the U.S. [12]. - Recent advancements in gene editing for non-reproductive cells have progressed rapidly, with the first CRISPR-Cas9 therapy approved in 2023 for genetic blood disorders, showcasing the potential of gene editing outside of embryo manipulation [12].