An American company has launched a smart system that resembles "genetic design" for embryos, allowing prospective parents to choose embryos through IVF based on a comprehensive analysis of genetic risks and personality traits.
This controversial innovation, developed by Nucleus Genomics, provides what its founders describe as "genetic roadmaps" that predict a fetus's likelihood of developing diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer's, as well as physical traits and mental abilities.
While developers see this technology as a huge leap forward in preventative medicine, ethics experts warn that it could lead humanity into a dangerous "gray" zone, where reproduction transforms from a natural gift into a process of "design" based on genetic criteria.
Described as the world's first, this new system analyzes DNA data from up to 20 fetuses, assessing the risk of more than 900 genetic conditions, and providing predictions on traits ranging from physical characteristics such as eye color and height to indicators linked to intelligence.
Sadeghi was inspired by a personal tragedy involving the death of his young cousin from a preventable genetic disease. He explains that the goal is to "empower parents to take control of their children's health," considering this step to represent the next chapter in the journey of personalized medicine.
But while this technology holds promise for improved long-term health outcomes, profound ethical questions arise. Although IVF clinics typically screen embryos for serious chromosomal abnormalities, the use of "polygenic risk scores"—which provide statistical predictions rather than definitive diagnoses—is still frowned upon by many medical authorities.
Dr. Paula Amaito, a fertility specialist at Oregon Health & Science University, expresses concern in ethical circles that categorizing embryos based on these criteria could lead to "a society that doesn't value certain types of children." However, she emphasizes that the final decision remains with the parents, saying, "That's their prerogative. I won't stop them."
The company offers a comprehensive analysis for up to $5,999, accompanied by consultations with genetic specialists to help parents understand the complex results. The company has partnered with Genomic Prediction, which has performed genetic testing on more than 120,000 embryos, with an increasing focus on assessing the risk of polygenic diseases.
In a related context, companies such as Orchid Health are showing increasing interest in embryonic testing associated with longevity, reflecting an emerging trend among longevity advocates toward early prevention of genetic diseases.
While Sadeghi—who founded his company from his parents' basement during the COVID-19 pandemic—views this technology as "the most intimate and sensitive decision" humans can make, the larger ethical question remains: To what extent should we allow science to shape the genetic destiny of future generations?
