The FDA just approved the first drug based on CRISPR, the revolutionary gene-editing technology. The medication treats sickle cell disease -- a condition that overwhelmingly affects Black Americans -- by altering the DNA of bone marrow stem cells. For tens of thousands of suffering patients, the therapy offers hope of living without debilitating pain.
But the Biden administration seems determined to prevent such breakthroughs from happening in the future. The White House just released a proposal that would allow federal agencies to rip up patent licensing agreements between universities -- which may receive federal research funds -- and private companies, including biotech firms.
If the plan goes ahead, it will be a disaster for American workers and consumers, since thousands of high-tech products -- from medicines to computer components -- stem from university labs.
