Gene therapy could become mainstream in Singapore by 2030s, but ethical concerns remain

The BAC also discourages editing genes in ways that could be inherited by future generations, given the unpredictable long-term consequences. 

“(Any) potential application to embryos or gametes – the sperm and egg, might be inherited by future generations,” said Assistant Professor G Owen Schaefer from the National University of Singapore’s Centre for Biomedical Ethics. 

“If something goes wrong, it doesn’t just affect that particular individual. If they go on to have children, it will affect future generations in ways we cannot accurately predict.” 

He advised relying on proven methods to reduce the risk of inherited genetic diseases until gene editing becomes more advanced and reliable.

“It’s better to stick with the more certain, safer methods and wait until the science is more mature before proceeding with riskier approaches at the embryonic level,” he told CNA’s Singapore Tonight programme.