## CRISPR and the challenge of personalization The CRISPR gene-editing technology, hailed as one of the century's greatest biotech breakthroughs, has so far had a limited impact, with only one drug approved and restricted commercial use. A new startup, Aurora Therapeutics, aims to change this scenario by adopting an "umbrella" approach to testing and commercializing personalized gene-editing treatments. ## Aurora Therapeutics' approach Aurora Therapeutics, backed by $16 million in funding from Menlo Ventures and the advice of Jennifer Doudna, aims to gain approval for gene-editing drugs that can be slightly modified to adapt to specific genetic mutations, without the need for costly and lengthy trials for each variant. The first target is phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare inherited disease. PKU is caused by mutations that prevent the body from metabolizing phenylalanine, an amino acid found in many foods. Aurora intends to develop a gene editor that, with minor modifications, can correct several of the most common mutations. The company is aiming for a change in regulations by the FDA, which has already expressed openness to regulatory pathways for personalized therapies. ## Obstacles and hopes Despite the challenges, such as the need for ultra-rare treatments that are not commercially viable, a gene-editing approach for PKU would represent a significant step forward compared to the current lack of genetic therapies for this condition. Aurora's initiative is part of a broader context of research and development of personalized gene therapies, with the hope of expanding access to these innovative treatments.