Inside STAT: Scientists work to solve CRISPR's delivery problem

(HYACINTH EMPINADO/STAT)

CRISPR is often described as so easy to use it will “democratize” genome editing, but for therapeutic uses, the easy part ends with assembling its components. Getting that assembly into cells, and especially into cells only of the organ affected by a genetic disease, is one of the greatest challenges in the field, STAT’s Sharon Begley explains. As one expert told her, "You can make gene editing tools until you’re blue in the face, but unless you get them to the right place it doesn’t matter." STAT Plus subscribers can read here about the nanobots, engineered viruses, and other CRISPR delivery trucks that scientists hope will get CRISPR where it needs to go.