Applications of the Developments of Genome Editing of Animals, Livestock & pets: Xenotranplantation & Improvement of Animal Performances

The ARRIGE association was launched in 2018 to promote a global governance of genome editing through a comprehensive setting for all stakeholders, including academics, researchers, clinicians, public institutions, private companies, patient organizations and other non-governmental organizations, regulators, citizens, communication media, governmental agencies and decision makers. It also aims to push forward the scientific, ethical, social, legal and political reflection in the field of genome editing, and foster the development of genome editing technologies within a safe and ethical framework for individuals and for our societies. A final objective is the dissemination of reliable information regarding genome-editing technology for experts (all fields included), politicians and citizens throughout the world.

You are invited to the Second Albrecht Müller Seminar, in honor of Albrecht Müller, who was an active supporter of the concept and aims of ARRIGE, contributing to its launch in early 2018, which he continued to support up to his untimely death in September 2019.

• PURPOSE: While genome editing has now become a current practice, the ethical and societal issues seem resolved; however, we must remain vigilant because some practices still raise concerns. Hornless cattle, hypoallergenic cat, over muscular livestock, humanized pig, killer dog… do we need all these modifications that genome editing can now achieve?

This three-hour seminar aims at addressing both the scientific and societal issues which arise in application of genome editing to animals. It will begin with a presentation of the latest science in two prominent examples: the use of genome editing to create a humanized pig for use in in xenotransplantation, and the use of genome editing to improve livestock performances. The rest of the seminar will be devoted to an open roundtable that will explore the ethical, social, environmental, economic and political ramifications of this topic, and conclude with ARRIGE members’ input on governance and public engagement initiatives.