The Bay Area biotech Conception Bio has an intriguing name. What does “conception” mean here?
Scientists can make many things from stem cells. For example, lately I’ve written a lot about stem cell-based human embryo models. Another intriguing area is called in vitro gametogenesis or IVG, where Conception Bio is a leader. IVG means making gametes from stem cells. Using human stem cells, those sperm or eggs could then be used either for research or to aid infertile people to have babies.
A new interesting piece on Conception from NPR science reporter Rob Stein caught my eye.
Conception Bio & IVG
Here’s the article. Startup aims to make lab-grown human eggs, transforming options for creating families, NPR. I’ve written before about Conception Bio, related to a National Academies Meeting on IVG. This area of science is moving forward quickly with the ultimate goal being use by people.
While I can definitely see potential positives of IVG, I have two main concerns. The first one relates to safety. Another issue is the possibility that IVG could be misused such as to make gene-edited people. As to the former, how would we know IVG is safe before we try it in people? Large-animal models?
Admittedly, some folks raised safety concerns about IVF in the early days, but I see IVG as far riskier. For example, there is a strong likelihood of epigenetic inaccuracies during IVG to make gametes.
My impression is that Conception Bio is taking this all appropriately seriously. The main goal now is producing human eggs. From their website:
“Our current focus is to create a proof of concept human egg, and develop rigorous process optimization and quality control measures to ensure that the eggs are healthy.
We do not take the development of this technology lightly. Our hope is that it will one day be used to bring healthy kids into the world, so we must hold ourselves to very high safety and ethical standards. Our plan will be to work closely with scientific, regulatory and ethical experts to ensure this technology develops safely and responsibly.”
More recommended reads
- Stanford President Will Resign After Report Found Flaws in His Research, NYT. The investigation reportedly cleared Marc Tessier-Lavigne of accusations of scientific fraud but his work “fell below customary standards of scientific rigor.” I’ve been keeping an eye on this recently as I have followed his research over the years with interest. One of my 20 predictions for the stem cell and regenerative medicine field for 2023 was that Tessier-Lavigne would no longer be Stanford Prez by year’s end. It seemed like there were just too many questions about papers and problems found in them. There was a culture of trying to produce the “right” data.
- Police got called to an overcrowded presentation on “rejuvenation” technology, MIT Tech Review. I’ve been very curious about Altos Labs. This piece from Antonio Regalado last month is the only recent news I could find mentioning Altos Labs. It’s been pretty quiet media-wise. I’m writing a piece on where Altos Labs stands now more on the science side. Antonio’s subtitle is “Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte’s presentation on anti-aging technology drew a dangerously large crowd at a stem-cell conference in Boston.” There’s so much interest in this area that too many people showed up. Note that Altos Labs is focused on rejuvenation, which also brings to mind the efforts of David Sinclair and others as well. I’m somewhat skeptical of the rejuvenation push, especially in terms of how one rigorously defines rejuvenation and the timeline to possible use in people. However, there is some cool science there. Also, Altos has so many amazing researchers and big funding. If anyone can do it, maybe they can. Stay tuned for more.
- Can stem cells cure disease? Here are some answers, The Economic Times.
- Medicine is plagued by untrustworthy clinical trials. How many studies are faked or flawed? Nature News.
- ERK2 stimulates MYC transcription by anchoring CDK9 to the MYC promoter in a kinase activity–independent manner, Science Signaling.