OHSU performs first-ever CRISPR gene editing within human body

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Photo of the procedure using gene editing CRISPR tool in the human body.
Caption: Mark Pennesi, M.D., Ph.D., who leads OHSU's involvement in the trial, center right, looks on as staff at Oregon Health & Science University's Casey Eye Institute perform the first-ever in vivo CRISPR gene edit procedure for the BRILLIANCE clinical trial. The study uses the gene-editing technology CRISPR to repair mutations in the CEP290 gene that cause a rare form of inherited blindness called Leber congenital amaurosis type 10. The trial is sponsored by Allergan plc. and Editas Medicine. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Physicians at OHSU Casey Eye Institute performed the first ever gene editing procedure inside the human body on a patient with a rare form of retinitis pigmentosa. Read the article.

This marks a major advance for all of medicine as we enter an era of repairing inherited genetic diseases. The research is being led by Mark Pennesi, M.D., Ph.D., who leads the Paul H. Casey Genetics Division, and the surgery was performed by Andreas Lauer, M.D., chair of the Casey Eye Institute.