Bill Gates has invested $ 120 million in the editing of DNA

Today it was announced that Bill Gates инвестировал together with partners, about $ 120 million in US startup Editas. The company develops technologies of editing DNA.

Experts are trying to create a reliable Editas editing technology DNA that allows to replace certain sections of DNA sequences to those that need scientists. The technology has been made possible thanks to the use of protein CRISPR-Cas9, open a few years ago.

The technology developed Editas, it allows to remove a cell from a living body, replace certain parts of the DNA, and then return the cells to their original location. According to the plan, so you can start the treatment of certain types of diseases. Now scientists are testing their development, but to the commercial use of the technology is still far.

Experts Editas planning to use its own method for the treatment of, for example, Leber's congenital amaurosis type 10th. It is a hereditary disease, which manifests itself in the withering away of the light-sensitive cells. The problem here is the problematic gene RPE65, and it is going to replace doctors. Also for the treatment of amaurosis want to correct a specific region of DNA.

Previously, the company has already received tens of millions of dollars from other investors.

Source: geektimes.ru/company/medgadgets/blog/260090/