Kevin M. Esvelt

Mientras era estudiante de posgrado en el laboratorio de David Liu, Esvelt demostró la evolución continua asistida por fagos (PACE), un método que utiliza bacteriófagos para diseñar de forma rápida y eficiente proteínas, promotores y otras biomoléculas. ^{[ 3 ]} Desde entonces, PACE se ha utilizado para diseñar proteasas, ^{[ 11 ]} estudiar anticuerpos en la investigación del cáncer, ^{[ 12 ]} y comprender la dinámica evolutiva de las proteínas. ^{[ 13 ]}

In 2013, Esvelt proposed the idea of using CRISPR in gene drives.^[14] Although both methods had been in use independent of each other, Esvelt was the first to connect the two, and with colleagues show that CRISPR could make the implementation of gene drives easier and more efficient.^[15]

The scientific - and ethical - implications of this new, more straightforward method of conducting gene drives were recognized almost immediately. One author compared gene drives to the fictional substance ice-nine, which freezes over any water it comes into contact with, propagating indefinitely as long as there is more accessible water to freeze.^[16] While CRISPR-based gene drives have the potential to generate ecosystem alterations that benefit humanity (e.g., eliminating malaria by spreading infertility genes among a population of mosquitoes), unforeseen (or perhaps intentional) such modifications could result in irreparable environmental damage that directly or indirectly causes great harm to people and animals alike.^[9] Keenly aware of the adverse effects even a well-intentioned and thought-out gene drive could have, Esvelt consults both scientists and the public in the course of his planning.^[5]

In the wake of his controversial work on gene drive technology, and the failures of existing public health structures to adequately respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, Esvelt has become more active in biosecurity research. He argues that action must be taken soon, given that many researchers are able to construct or reconstruct deadly viruses in the lab, and there are few robust safeguards protecting humanity against accidental or deliberate release of these bioweapons. He envisions a three-tiered security system: early detection using a Nucleic Acid Observatory,^[17] advanced preparation (involving stockpiling broad-spectrum medicines and better PPE), and better coordination between scientists, organizations, and countries.^[18] Esvelt is also involved in SecureDNA, a technology to screen all synthetic DNA sequence orders to prevent actors from obtaining dangerous genes (e.g., from a deadly virus).^[19]