Dossier 09
Synthetic Biology
v1.2-draft · unchecked
- E1 confirmed
- E2 single-source
- E3 claimed
- E4 disputed
- E0 unknown
1. As of
- Date
- Version
- v1.2-draft
- Author / model
- Atlas generator
- Reviewer
- unchecked (Josef)
2. In one sentence
CRISPR is approved as ex-vivo HSCT after myeloablation (CASGEVY), not as a pill; Frangoul NEJM 2021 (CTX001, n=2 early report, E1) shows early clinical editing/HbF measurements — not Phase-3/label; in-vivo LNP-CRISPR (NTLA-2001) exists as Phase-1 interim (Gillmore, n=6) — not as an approved product; synthetic genomes are lab objects; DNA screening is mostly voluntary.
Established now · E1 / E2
3. What works today
CRISPR in the clinic is ex-vivo HSCT
-
E1
FDA 2023-12-08: two gene therapies for sickle cell disease from age 12. CASGEVY = first CRISPR product. LYFGENIA = lentiviral, not CRISPR.
FDA 2023-12-08. FDA Approves First Gene Therapies to Treat Patients with Sickle Cell Disease. https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFDA/bulletins/37efce0. As of 2023-12-08. Checked 2026-08-28. Type: Agency notice. -
E1
CASGEVY USPI, as of 07/2026: age 2+ SCD and TDT. BCL11A enhancer RNP. Busulfan myeloablation. Not in-vivo. SCD VF12 29/31 (93.5%); 44/58 infused after mobilization. 100% grade 3/4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Age 2–<5 extrapolated. Off-target §5.4 cannot be ruled out.
CASGEVY USPI. CASGEVY (exagamglogene autotemcel) Prescribing Information. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=7c3e12ad-e2fe-4d3f-a630-ea7364d9e846. As of Revised 07/2026. Checked 2026-08-28. Type: Prescribing information. -
E1
Frangoul et al. NEJM 2021 (DOI 10.1056/NEJMoa2031054; online 2020-12-05; 384:252–260; NCT03655678 / NCT03745287): first two patients infused with CTX001 (autologous CRISPR-Cas9–edited CD34+ HSPCs targeting BCL11A erythroid enhancer) — Patient 1 TDT (19y), Patient 2 SCD (33y). Healthy-donor preclinical: mean allelic editing ~80±6%; paper: ~80% alleles modified, no evidence of off-target editing; candidate off-target 0 of 223 at ≥0.2% threshold (Fig. 1D text). Product allelic editing: Patient 1 68.9%; Patient 2 mobilization lots 82.6% / 78.7%. Governance/clinical measurement only — no protocols, sequences, gRNAs.
Frangoul et al. CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing for Sickle Cell Disease and β-Thalassemia. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2031054. As of published online 2020-12-05; NEJM 384:252–260 (2021-01-21); NCT03655678 / NCT03745287. Checked 2026-09-11. Type: Paper (NEJM; early clinical report). -
E1
After myeloablation + infusion: durable allelic editing in blood/marrow; transfusion independence (Patient 1 last TDT transfusion day 30); Patient 2 no vaso-occlusive episodes during reported follow-up (16.6 months). Patient 1 HbF 0.3→8.4 g/dL mo3 →12.4 mo12 →13.1 mo18; F-cells 10.1%→99.7% mo6. Constrained: still ex-vivo HSCT + busulfan myeloablation (not an outpatient pill); n=2 early report ≠ Phase-3 / label approval (CASGEVY label remains separate E1 for approval).
Frangoul et al. CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing for Sickle Cell Disease and β-Thalassemia. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2031054. As of published online 2020-12-05; NEJM 384:252–260 (2021-01-21); NCT03655678 / NCT03745287. Checked 2026-09-11. Type: Paper (NEJM; early clinical report). -
E1
Gillmore et al. NEJM 2021 (NTLA-2001, NCT04601051): Phase-1 interim, n=6 hereditary ATTR polyneuropathy; single IV total-RNA dose 0.1 or 0.3 mg/kg (3 each). Day-28 mean serum TTR reduction 52% (47–56) and 87% (80–96). Few AEs, mild (grade 1) in 3/6; no SAEs in this report. In-vivo LNP mRNA-Cas9 + sgRNA targeting TTR — proof of concept, ongoing escalation, limited follow-up. E1 for interim measurement; not an approval.
Gillmore et al. CRISPR-Cas9 In Vivo Gene Editing for Transthyretin Amyloidosis. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2107454. As of 2021-08-05 (online 2021-06-26); NCT04601051. Checked 2026-09-04. Type: Paper (NEJM; UCL Discovery OA PDF). -
E1
LYFGENIA PI, 12/2023: LVV, not CRISPR. Boxed warning hematologic malignancy. VOE-CR 28/32.
LYFGENIA PI. LYFGENIA (lovotibeglogene autotemcel) Prescribing Information. https://www.genetixbiotx.com/-/media/bluebirdbio/Corporate%20COM/Files/Lyfgenia/LYFGENIA_Prescribing_Information.pdf. As of Revised 12/2023. Checked 2026-08-28. Type: Prescribing information.
Synthetic genomes as lab objects
-
E1
syn1.0 (2010) exists: a chemically synthesized Mycoplasma genome controls a cell (JCVI page + Gibson abstract). Science full text not opened.
JCVI syn1.0. First Self-Replicating Synthetic Bacterial Cell. https://www.jcvi.org/research/first-self-replicating-synthetic-bacterial-cell. As of 2010 (page). Checked 2026-08-28. Type: Institute page.Gibson abstract. Creation of a bacterial cell controlled by a chemically synthesized genome (abstract). https://www.jcvi.org/publications/creation-bacterial-cell-controlled-chemically-synthesized-genome. As of 2010. Checked 2026-08-28. Type: Abstract. -
E1
syn3.0: 473 genes, 149 of unknown function. First design not viable (JCVI + Hutchison abstract). Minimal cell ≠ understanding.
JCVI syn3.0. First Minimal Synthetic Bacterial Cell designed and constructed by scientists at the Venter Institute. https://www.jcvi.org/media-center/first-minimal-synthetic-bacterial-cell-designed-and-constructed-scientists-venter. As of 2016 (page). Checked 2026-08-28. Type: Institute page.Hutchison abstract. Design and synthesis of a minimal bacterial genome (abstract). https://www.jcvi.org/publications/design-and-synthesis-minimal-bacterial-genome. As of 2016. Checked 2026-08-28. Type: Abstract. -
E1
synXVI 903 kb: systematic loxPsym UTR bugs. Sc2.0 whole genome as one living cell not shown in this log.
Goold synXVI. Construction and iterative redesign of synXVI a 903 021 bp synthetic Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosome. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-55318-3. As of 2025. Checked 2026-08-28. Type: Paper (Nature Communications).
DNA screening is practice, not a universal law
-
E1
IGSC Harmonized Screening Protocol v3.1 (2026-06-01): no country requires providers to screen. Threshold ≥200 bp now; 50 bp from 2026-10-24.
IGSC v3.1. Harmonized Screening Protocol Version 3.1. https://genesynthesisconsortium.org/wp-content/uploads/IGSC-Harmonized-Screening-Protocol-V3.1.pdf. As of 2026-06-01. Checked 2026-08-28. Type: Industry protocol. -
E2
OSTP framework is a US federal-funding condition. Page says it will be revised/replaced after EO 14292 and is not yet updated as of 2026-08-28.
OSTP Framework. 2024 OSTP Framework for Nucleic Acid Synthesis Screening. https://aspr.hhs.gov/S3/Pages/OSTP-Framework-for-Nucleic-Acid-Synthesis-Screening.aspx. As of page as of 2026-08-28. Checked 2026-08-28. Type: US framework (HTML).ASPR Screening. Synthetic Nucleic Acid Screening. https://aspr.hhs.gov/S3/Pages/Synthetic-Nucleic-Acid-Screening.aspx. As of page as of 2026-08-28. Checked 2026-08-28. Type: Agency page.EO 14292. Executive Order 14292, Improving the Safety and Security of Biological Research. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/05/improving-the-safety-and-security-of-biological-research/. As of 2025-05-05. Checked 2026-08-28. Type: Executive Order.
Claimed · E3
4. What is claimed, not shown
In-vivo CRISPR, HHS, JCVI prose
-
E3
Vendor/press framing of “in-vivo CRISPR therapy” beyond the Phase-1 interim: Gillmore body is opened (source 16, E1 for n=6/day-28), but approval, long-term benefit and patient off-target rate remain E0/E3 here — not inferred from the interim.
Gillmore et al. CRISPR-Cas9 In Vivo Gene Editing for Transthyretin Amyloidosis. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2107454. As of 2021-08-05 (online 2021-06-26); NCT04601051. Checked 2026-09-04. Type: Paper (NEJM; UCL Discovery OA PDF). -
E2
HHS press release 2026-07-28 on stopping high-risk research: press text opened, full policy not. E2/E3 for the press claim.
HHS 2026-07-28. Trump Administration Releases New Government-Wide Policy to End Dangerous High-Risk Research. https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/stopping-high-risk-life-sciences-research.html. As of 2026-07-28. Checked 2026-08-28. Type: Press release. -
E3
JCVI 2010 “new era” prose is institute rhetoric, not a measurement.
JCVI syn1.0. First Self-Replicating Synthetic Bacterial Cell. https://www.jcvi.org/research/first-self-replicating-synthetic-bacterial-cell. As of 2010 (page). Checked 2026-08-28. Type: Institute page.
Constrained · Limit
5. Bottleneck and limit
What clinic and screening are not
-
E1
CRISPR ≠ outpatient pill. CASGEVY and Frangoul CTX001 need mobilization, myeloablation, infusion, inpatient neutropenia. Off-target cannot be ruled out (label); early report n=2 ≠ approval.
CASGEVY USPI. CASGEVY (exagamglogene autotemcel) Prescribing Information. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=7c3e12ad-e2fe-4d3f-a630-ea7364d9e846. As of Revised 07/2026. Checked 2026-08-28. Type: Prescribing information.Frangoul et al. CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing for Sickle Cell Disease and β-Thalassemia. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2031054. As of published online 2020-12-05; NEJM 384:252–260 (2021-01-21); NCT03655678 / NCT03745287. Checked 2026-09-11. Type: Paper (NEJM; early clinical report). -
E1
In-vivo ≠ approved: NTLA-2001 is Phase-1 interim (Gillmore 2021); CASGEVY remains the opened approved CRISPR product and is ex-vivo HSCT. No claim that “in-vivo CRISPR is approved” from this log.
Gillmore et al. CRISPR-Cas9 In Vivo Gene Editing for Transthyretin Amyloidosis. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2107454. As of 2021-08-05 (online 2021-06-26); NCT04601051. Checked 2026-09-04. Type: Paper (NEJM; UCL Discovery OA PDF).CASGEVY USPI. CASGEVY (exagamglogene autotemcel) Prescribing Information. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=7c3e12ad-e2fe-4d3f-a630-ea7364d9e846. As of Revised 07/2026. Checked 2026-08-28. Type: Prescribing information. -
E2
VERVE-101: enrollment paused after grade-3 ALT plus thrombocytopenia (8-K 2024-04-02). In-vivo base editing is not an established routine product.
Verve 8-K. Form 8-K — Heart-1 pause. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1840574/000119312524084067/d758833d8k.htm. As of 2024-04-02. Checked 2026-08-28. Type: SEC 8-K. -
E1
Screening gaps: 200 bp until October 2026; oligo pools recommended, not required; SoC list not agreed. IGSC: no country requires providers.
IGSC v3.1. Harmonized Screening Protocol Version 3.1. https://genesynthesisconsortium.org/wp-content/uploads/IGSC-Harmonized-Screening-Protocol-V3.1.pdf. As of 2026-06-01. Checked 2026-08-28. Type: Industry protocol.OSTP Framework. 2024 OSTP Framework for Nucleic Acid Synthesis Screening. https://aspr.hhs.gov/S3/Pages/OSTP-Framework-for-Nucleic-Acid-Synthesis-Screening.aspx. As of page as of 2026-08-28. Checked 2026-08-28. Type: US framework (HTML). -
E1
Minimal cell ≠ understanding: 149 genes of unknown function; first design not viable.
JCVI syn3.0. First Minimal Synthetic Bacterial Cell designed and constructed by scientists at the Venter Institute. https://www.jcvi.org/media-center/first-minimal-synthetic-bacterial-cell-designed-and-constructed-scientists-venter. As of 2016 (page). Checked 2026-08-28. Type: Institute page.Hutchison abstract. Design and synthesis of a minimal bacterial genome (abstract). https://www.jcvi.org/publications/design-and-synthesis-minimal-bacterial-genome. As of 2016. Checked 2026-08-28. Type: Abstract. -
E0
iGEM: JS-only, no warrant in this entry.
6. Actors and incentives
Clinic, screening, lab
-
E1
FDA, Vertex/CRISPR Therapeutics (CASGEVY), bluebird (LYFGENIA), Frangoul NEJM early report — the label is the hardest approval source; Frangoul is an early report, not the label.
FDA 2023-12-08. FDA Approves First Gene Therapies to Treat Patients with Sickle Cell Disease. https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFDA/bulletins/37efce0. As of 2023-12-08. Checked 2026-08-28. Type: Agency notice.CASGEVY USPI. CASGEVY (exagamglogene autotemcel) Prescribing Information. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=7c3e12ad-e2fe-4d3f-a630-ea7364d9e846. As of Revised 07/2026. Checked 2026-08-28. Type: Prescribing information.LYFGENIA PI. LYFGENIA (lovotibeglogene autotemcel) Prescribing Information. https://www.genetixbiotx.com/-/media/bluebirdbio/Corporate%20COM/Files/Lyfgenia/LYFGENIA_Prescribing_Information.pdf. As of Revised 12/2023. Checked 2026-08-28. Type: Prescribing information.Frangoul et al. CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing for Sickle Cell Disease and β-Thalassemia. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2031054. As of published online 2020-12-05; NEJM 384:252–260 (2021-01-21); NCT03655678 / NCT03745287. Checked 2026-09-11. Type: Paper (NEJM; early clinical report). -
E1
IGSC (industry), OSTP/ASPR (US funding condition), EO 14292 (revision announced, framework not updated as of 2026-08-28).
IGSC v3.1. Harmonized Screening Protocol Version 3.1. https://genesynthesisconsortium.org/wp-content/uploads/IGSC-Harmonized-Screening-Protocol-V3.1.pdf. As of 2026-06-01. Checked 2026-08-28. Type: Industry protocol.OSTP Framework. 2024 OSTP Framework for Nucleic Acid Synthesis Screening. https://aspr.hhs.gov/S3/Pages/OSTP-Framework-for-Nucleic-Acid-Synthesis-Screening.aspx. As of page as of 2026-08-28. Checked 2026-08-28. Type: US framework (HTML).EO 14292. Executive Order 14292, Improving the Safety and Security of Biological Research. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/05/improving-the-safety-and-security-of-biological-research/. As of 2025-05-05. Checked 2026-08-28. Type: Executive Order. -
E1
JCVI (syn1.0/syn3.0) and Sc2.0/Goold (synXVI) — genomes as design objects.
JCVI syn3.0. First Minimal Synthetic Bacterial Cell designed and constructed by scientists at the Venter Institute. https://www.jcvi.org/media-center/first-minimal-synthetic-bacterial-cell-designed-and-constructed-scientists-venter. As of 2016 (page). Checked 2026-08-28. Type: Institute page.Goold synXVI. Construction and iterative redesign of synXVI a 903 021 bp synthetic Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosome. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-55318-3. As of 2025. Checked 2026-08-28. Type: Paper (Nature Communications).
7. State of the dispute
Governance vs. universal screening
-
E1
IGSC states explicitly: no country requires it. OSTP framework is a funding condition and in revision after EO 14292. HHS press 2026 is not the full policy.
IGSC v3.1. Harmonized Screening Protocol Version 3.1. https://genesynthesisconsortium.org/wp-content/uploads/IGSC-Harmonized-Screening-Protocol-V3.1.pdf. As of 2026-06-01. Checked 2026-08-28. Type: Industry protocol.EO 14292. Executive Order 14292, Improving the Safety and Security of Biological Research. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/05/improving-the-safety-and-security-of-biological-research/. As of 2025-05-05. Checked 2026-08-28. Type: Executive Order.HHS 2026-07-28. Trump Administration Releases New Government-Wide Policy to End Dangerous High-Risk Research. https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/stopping-high-risk-life-sciences-research.html. As of 2026-07-28. Checked 2026-08-28. Type: Press release.
8. Open questions
- Science Gibson 2010 / Hutchison 2016 full text.
- OSTP/HHS PDFs (fetch 500).
- WHO dual-use guidance 174-page PDF.
- Paddon 2013 artemisinin original.
- Fredens recoded E. coli.
- Ginkgo/Amyris SEC.
- iGEM statistics (not JS shell).
9. Changes
- v1.2-draft2026-09-11: Frangoul et al. NEJM 2021 CTX001 (source 17, DOI 10.1056/NEJMoa2031054) opened — n=2 early report, editing/HbF/transfusion independence; governance only; n=2 ≠ label; no protocols/sequences/gRNAs.
- v1.1-draft2026-09-04: Gillmore et al. NEJM 2021 NTLA-2001 (source 16, DOI 10.1056/NEJMoa2107454, UCL OA) opened — Phase-1 interim n=6, day-28 TTR −52%/−87%, no SAEs in report. Governance only; not an approval; no protocols/sequences.
- v1.0-draftFirst version from the 2026-08-28 verification log. Dual-use as governance fact only.
10. Sources
| No. | Source | As of | Checked | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | . FDA Approves First Gene Therapies to Treat Patients with Sickle Cell Disease. https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFDA/bulletins/37efce0. Type: Agency notice. | E1 | ||
| 2 | . CASGEVY (exagamglogene autotemcel) Prescribing Information. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=7c3e12ad-e2fe-4d3f-a630-ea7364d9e846. Type: Prescribing information. | E1 | ||
| 4 | . LYFGENIA (lovotibeglogene autotemcel) Prescribing Information. https://www.genetixbiotx.com/-/media/bluebirdbio/Corporate%20COM/Files/Lyfgenia/LYFGENIA_Prescribing_Information.pdf. Type: Prescribing information. | E1 | ||
| 5 | . Harmonized Screening Protocol Version 3.1. https://genesynthesisconsortium.org/wp-content/uploads/IGSC-Harmonized-Screening-Protocol-V3.1.pdf. Type: Industry protocol. | E1 | ||
| 6 | . 2024 OSTP Framework for Nucleic Acid Synthesis Screening. https://aspr.hhs.gov/S3/Pages/OSTP-Framework-for-Nucleic-Acid-Synthesis-Screening.aspx. Type: US framework (HTML). | E2 | ||
| 7 | . Synthetic Nucleic Acid Screening. https://aspr.hhs.gov/S3/Pages/Synthetic-Nucleic-Acid-Screening.aspx. Type: Agency page. | E2 | ||
| 8 | . Executive Order 14292, Improving the Safety and Security of Biological Research. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/05/improving-the-safety-and-security-of-biological-research/. Type: Executive Order. | E1 | ||
| 9 | . Trump Administration Releases New Government-Wide Policy to End Dangerous High-Risk Research. https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/stopping-high-risk-life-sciences-research.html. Type: Press release. | E2 | ||
| 10 | . Form 8-K — Heart-1 pause. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1840574/000119312524084067/d758833d8k.htm. Type: SEC 8-K. | E2 | ||
| 11 | . First Minimal Synthetic Bacterial Cell designed and constructed by scientists at the Venter Institute. https://www.jcvi.org/media-center/first-minimal-synthetic-bacterial-cell-designed-and-constructed-scientists-venter. Type: Institute page. | E1 | ||
| 12 | . First Self-Replicating Synthetic Bacterial Cell. https://www.jcvi.org/research/first-self-replicating-synthetic-bacterial-cell. Type: Institute page. | E1 | ||
| 13 | . Design and synthesis of a minimal bacterial genome (abstract). https://www.jcvi.org/publications/design-and-synthesis-minimal-bacterial-genome. Type: Abstract. | E1 | ||
| 14 | . Creation of a bacterial cell controlled by a chemically synthesized genome (abstract). https://www.jcvi.org/publications/creation-bacterial-cell-controlled-chemically-synthesized-genome. Type: Abstract. | E1 | ||
| 15 | . Construction and iterative redesign of synXVI a 903 021 bp synthetic Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosome. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-55318-3. Type: Paper (Nature Communications). | E1 | ||
| 16 | . CRISPR-Cas9 In Vivo Gene Editing for Transthyretin Amyloidosis. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2107454. Type: Paper (NEJM; UCL Discovery OA PDF). | E1 | ||
| 17 | . CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing for Sickle Cell Disease and β-Thalassemia. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2031054. Type: Paper (NEJM; early clinical report). | E1 |
11. Uncertainty log
Overall uncertainty of this entry, bound to the verification log of 2026-08-28 plus Gillmore (2026-09-04) and Frangoul (2026-09-11). 16 opened sources (one duplicate label number). Dual-use as governance only. No protocols, sequences, oligos, gRNAs, assembly recipes.
- Established (layer 1): CASGEVY label 07/2026; Frangoul CTX001 early report n=2 (17); Gillmore NTLA-2001 Phase-1 interim (16); LYFGENIA boxed warning; IGSC no mandate; syn1.0/syn3.0; synXVI design bugs.
- Claimed (layer 2): HHS press; JCVI prose; in-vivo framing beyond Gillmore interim.
- Constrained (layer 3): CRISPR ≠ outpatient; Frangoul n=2 ≠ Phase-3/label; in-vivo ≠ approved (Gillmore interim vs CASGEVY label); VERVE-101 pause; screening gaps 200 bp; minimal cell ≠ understanding; iGEM E0.
Not opened (not a warrant)
- Science Gibson / Hutchison full text.
- OSTP/HHS PDFs HTTP 500.
- WHO dual-use 174 pages.
- Paddon 2013.
- Fredens recoded E. coli.
- Ginkgo/Amyris SEC.
- iGEM (JS-only).