Answering key questions about CRISPR gene therapies

unnamed file
Image: Sarah Grillo/Axios

What is gene editing? 

Genome editing (also known as gene editing) is a group of technologies that provide scientists with the ability to manipulate an organism’s DNA. Using this technology, genetic material can be added, removed or altered at particular locations in a genome.

How is Crispr used?

“CRISPR-Cas9 was adapted from a naturally occurring genome editing system in bacteria.” – Quizlet.com

As in bacteria, the modified RNA is used to recognize the DNA sequence, and the Cas9 enzyme cuts the DNA at the targeted location. Although Cas9 is the enzyme that is used most often, other enzymes (for example Cpf1) can also be used.

Once the DNA is cut, researchers use the cell’s own DNA repair machinery to add or delete pieces of genetic material or to make changes to the DNA by replacing an existing segment with a customized DNA sequence.

How much does Crispr cost?

According to a report published on the İndependent, the cost of CRISPR treatments ranges from about $500,000 to $1.5 M.

Over a lifetime, drugs like Nusinersen (used to treat spinal muscular atrophy) can be even more expensive. Estimates are $750,000 in the first year followed by $375,000 for each subsequent year for life.

Read full, original post: Hacking Ourselves: The Promise of Gene Therapy

{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.singularReviewCountLabel }}
{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.pluralReviewCountLabel }}
{{ options.labels.noReviewsLabel }}
{{ options.labels.newReviewButton }}
{{ userData.canReview.message }}

Related Articles

Infographic: Global regulatory and health research agencies on whether glyphosate causes cancer

Infographic: Global regulatory and health research agencies on whether glyphosate causes cancer

Does glyphosate—the world's most heavily-used herbicide—pose serious harm to humans? Is it carcinogenic? Those issues are of both legal and ...

Most Popular

Screenshot-2026-07-30-at-3.07.42-PM
Controversy over WNBA star Sophie Cunningham’s comment opposing trans females in women’s sports reinvigorates the culture wars
Picture1
Hiroshima at 81: America’s new nuclear bomb, a buried Iranian target, and a question no one wants to ask
ChatGPT-Image-Mar-10-2026-01_39_01-PM
Viewpoint—“Miracle molecule” debunked: Why acemannan supplements don’t work
leeteam
How Kennedy and his family could pocket millions from Merck’s $50 million vaccine injury settlement that he oversaw
ChatGPT-Image-Jul-10-2026-12_21_03-PM
Viewpoint: Is there new evidence that the animal deworming drug ivermectin decreases the risk of Covid and cancer? Don’t waste your money.
Screenshot-2026-07-30-at-2.30.35-PM
Climate scientists claim conservative activists are promoting ‘lies’ that Europe’s summer heatwaves are far from unusual
ChatGPT Image Jul 29, 2026, 05_50_04 PM
Fear, science, and the law: If talc powder is unlikely to cause cancer and J&J was winning in court, why did it pay more than $5.5 billion to settle?
Screenshot-2026-07-09-at-1.09.25-PM
Anti-vaccine myths rattle health care
ChatGPT Image Jul 29, 2026, 06_26_01 PM 2
Facts & Fallacies podcast: Organic food myths make a comeback on Instagram, with Dr. Kevin Folta
ChatGPT Image Jul 29, 2026, 10_14_27 PM
After muzzling RFK, Jr. over autism-vaccine conspiracy theories, Trump defies aides to push scares again
ChatGPT Image Jul 29, 2026, 12_05_21 PM
AI-generated physicians promoting bogus cures and worthless supplements surge on social media
Screenshot 2026-07-22 at 1.38
Viewpoint: Are the U.S. and Europe headed towards a repudiation of agricultural biotechnology red tape?
Screenshot 2026-07-29 at 1.03
Two food fads that have some merit: Chia seeds in almost everything and protein added to water
glp menu logo outlined

Get news on human & agricultural genetics and biotechnology delivered to your inbox.