Commentary by Third World Network on new scientific article
An article in the Journal of Medical Entomology critically reflects on the hype surrounding gene drive technologies, a novel self-spreading form of genetic modification that is designed to engineer entire populations of wild species.
The author, a specialist in vector-borne diseases at the University of Montpellier, France, concludes that current communication around gene drives “often borders on propaganda rather than fostering a balanced, 2-way dialogue”. As such, “Research institutions must also exercise caution when promoting scientific advancements in press releases and media, ensuring that accurate, reliable information reaches the public.”
The rhetoric surrounding gene drive technologies is often couched in pessimistic language regarding ‘conventional’ tools. The narrow biomedical focus of such discussions also fails to consider systemic forces of vector borne disease, and “often falls short in critically examining health policies or calling for socioeconomic changes”.
The current situation however, provides instructive examples of advances in malaria control, including several countries being declared malaria-free, or reporting zero deaths in recent years. Achievements have been gained with multipronged approaches including in vector control, case surveillance, diagnostics, as well as socioeconomic improvement and implementation of poverty alleviation.
Meanwhile, questions remain regarding the potential of gene drives for addressing vector-borne disease. As the article cautions, “…once released in the wild, gene drives may not function as expected especially in the long term. In the case of population suppression, secondary vectors might become substantially more important, eroding the expected initial benefits of a gene drive release for a given vector”. The current technical bottleneck in developing gene drives in other species also challenges any bold claims, and as such, “the prospects for gene drive, while promising, do not stand out”. In contrast, “several other strategies… are expected to deliver similar impacts but with higher success rates of development and shorter development times”.
Hype and exaggerated claims can also come with risks. As the author states, “focusing research efforts on its development may unintentionally bias policy discussions and divert resources away from simpler, proven approaches…”. Such a situation could regrettably undermine more immediate solutions.
Source of comment: Third World Network
---
Gene drive: communication, hype, and the publics
Christophe Boëte
Journal of Medical Entomology, 2025, tjaf007
https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjaf007
Engineered gene drive (EGD) systems are probably the most high-tech approach considered for their potential role in the control of vector-borne diseases. Interestingly, the rhetoric around it often goes along with a negative presentation of the current “conventional” tools and exaggerated promises about EGD themselves, leading to a situation of hype.
Image: Wiki Commons. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International licence.