Do gene drive technologies present unprecedented complexities for risk assessment?

No. Gene drive-modified organisms possess characteristics that must be taken into account in risk assessment, such as the ability of the modification to spread into wild populations of the targeted species and the possible irreversibility of self-sustaining drives. However, several experts have expressed the opinion that these are not entirely novel and can be approached within existing risk assessment and regulatory frameworks, such as those used for other biocontrol agents and genetically modified organisms.

For more information:
https://www.isaaa.org/webinars/2022/genedrivewebinar2/default.asp
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1462901119311098?via%3Dihub
https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/6297