ISAAA Policy Brief: Risk Assessment for Gene Drive Organisms

Gene drive is a genetic phenomenon that occurs in nature and causes a selected trait to spread rapidly through a species via sexual reproduction over generations, potentially becoming increasingly common within a specific species. Gene drive systems are being developed in the laboratory to replicate this natural phenomenon in order to help tackle major challenges such as malaria. In this way, a desired change is passed on to up to 100% of offspring, rather than at the more usual rate of 50%. This technology is currently under research, and the risks and benefits of each potential application are being thoroughly investigated.

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