Problem Formulation for the use of Gene Drive in Mosquitoes Workshop

Overview

Reducing the burden of malaria has been a public health priority for nearly a century. New technologies and associated vector control strategies play an important role in the prospect of sustained reductions. The development of new gene editing systems such as CRISPR/Cas9 has generated new possibilities for the use of gene drive constructs in mosquitoes to reduce or alter vector populations to reduce malaria incidence. However, before such gene drive mosquito products are developed and deployed it will be necessary to understand and assess the likelihood of any potential harms to humans or the environment. To begin this process, the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health and the ILSI Research Foundation organized a workshop attended by experts across a wide variety of disciplines to consider the potential risks related to the use of gene drives in Anopheles gambiae for malaria control in Africa and the Research necessary to address those risks.

Read the agenda and participants list. Consensus points from the workshop have been published.