Cathy Tie Is Ready To Gene Edit Babies
Timestamps are as accurate as they can be but may be slightly off. We encourage you to listen to the full context.
Podcast Summary
In this captivating episode, biotech prodigy Kathy Xu opens up about her extraordinary journey from teenage lab researcher to controversial gene-editing entrepreneur. She shares the dramatic saga behind launching Manhattan Project—her bold New York-based startup focused on editing human embryos to eliminate genetic diseases (04:00)—while reflecting on her whirlwind year that included a brief marriage to scientist He Jiankui (JK), travel restrictions from China (27:54), and pivoting from her Los Angeles Project to tackle the most contentious frontier in biotechnology. Xu discusses why she believes the scientific community has stagnated (71:20), her philosophy on giving embryos a chance rather than discarding them, and how she's positioning germline gene editing as the logical next step beyond current IVF screening technologies—all while navigating the complex intersection of science, ethics, and geopolitics.
Speakers
Kathy Xu
Biotech prodigy who started her first company at 18, Thiel Fellow, and founder of two successful biotech ventures (Ranomics and Locke Bio). Now co-founder and CEO of the Manhattan Project, focusing on germline gene editing to eliminate genetic diseases.
Ashley Vance (Host)
Tech journalist and author, creator of Core Memory podcast covering innovative companies and breakthrough technologies. Known for his reporting on biotech, AI, and space technologies for publications including Bloomberg.
Key Takeaways
Challenge the Scientific Monolith
Break away from the censorship and conformity plaguing academic biotech. When researchers whisper their true opinions in private labs but won't publish them publicly, it's time to speak boldly. (69:06) The same narrative has dominated for ten years—push the conversation forward by addressing safety through transparent research rather than perpetual bans.
Apply the Deprogramming Mindset
Question why you're in the "rat race" before it's too late. At 18, recognize when everyone around you—PhD students, postdocs—looks miserable despite following the prescribed path. (47:58) Create your own world model instead of blindly following courses, criteria, and predetermined career sequences.
Build Bridges Between Regulation and Innovation
Don't wait for regulatory approval to begin the foundational work. Start with animal models, cell line studies, and IRB approvals to generate the safety data necessary for productive policy discussions. (54:00) You can't make technology safe without working on it—break the paradox by doing responsible preclinical research.
Embrace Global Collaboration Over Geographic Isolation
Biotech operates on a global maxima, not local ones like software. A cancer drug developed in the US works everywhere; innovation requires international academic collaboration rather than closed ecosystems. (64:53) The field progresses through shared research, not nationalistic competition.
Take the Economic Long View
Consider cost-effectiveness alongside scientific breakthroughs. When somatic gene therapies cost $2-3 million per patient, embryonic interventions at 1% of that cost become compelling for national healthcare systems. (15:17) Position transformative technology as both medically superior and economically sustainable.
Statistics & Facts
No specific statistics were provided in this episode.
