Health

Gene editing cures and lab-grown steaks to transform UK health and food in 2025

Sunday, 1 June 2025 12:07AM UTC

The UK is entering a new era of biotechnology as gene editing therapies become widely available on the NHS and lab-grown meat production ramps up, promising revolutionary changes to medical treatment and sustainable food supply by 2025.

Two groundbreaking biotechnology advances are set to fundamentally alter human health and food production in 2025, marking the transition of transformative technologies from laboratory curiosities to life-changing realities for millions worldwide. The convergence of gene editing treatments and lab-grown meat signifies the most significant breakthroughs in biotechnology since the mapping of the human genome, ushering in a new era of health care and sustainability.

The Promise of Gene Editing

Gene editing is revolutionising modern medicine with techniques like CRISPR-Cas9, which allow scientists to 'cut and replace' faulty DNA sequences responsible for chronic and inherited diseases. The approval of Casgevy, the first gene-editing therapy for sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia, by the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in November 2023, represents a watershed moment in personalised medicine. Developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics, this therapy offers hope to patients previously constrained by limited treatment options.

As of early 2025, gene editing is making headway in treating a variety of conditions, including cystic fibrosis and certain hereditary cancers. Over 1,200 UK patients received gene therapy through the NHS Genomic Medicine Service between January 2024 and March 2025, illustrating the growing accessibility of these innovative therapies. Fatima, 34, from London, shared her experience of receiving treatment for beta thalassemia, stating, "For the first time in my life, I'm not in constant pain," and describing the therapy as "a miracle science made real." This personal narrative underscores the profound impact gene editing can have on individual lives.

However, the ethical implications surrounding gene editing remain contentious. The concept of 'designer babies' has sparked heated debates about the moral responsibilities of scientists and the long-term societal impacts of genetic modification. As advances in preventative care evolve, the potential to modify DNA to reduce future health risks raises questions about equity and access in a landscape where financial constraints often limit the availability of life-saving treatments.

Lab-Grown Meat and the Future of Food

In a parallel development, lab-grown meat—or cultivated meat—is beginning to reshape food production and consumption. This process involves growing real animal cells in bioreactors, resulting in products that replicate the taste and texture of traditional meat without the ethical concerns of animal slaughter. According to the Good Food Institute, lab-grown meat utilises 95% less land, 78% less water, and generates up to 92% fewer emissions compared to conventional meat farming. Companies such as Aleph Farms are investing heavily in this sector; in early 2025, the company succeeded in producing 1,000 kilograms of cultivated steak at its pilot facility, eyeing select European markets by year-end.

This innovation not only offers a safer and cleaner protein source, free from the antibiotics and growth hormones prevalent in traditional farming, but it also aligns with growing consumer interest in ethical eating. Despite the notable environmental benefits, however, public hesitance remains a significant barrier. A YouGov survey revealed that 41% of UK consumers were reluctant to try lab-grown meat. Regulatory frameworks play a crucial role in shaping consumer acceptance; while the EU approved cultivated chicken products in 2024, the UK Food Standards Agency is still deliberating on lab-grown products.

Navigating Challenges and Shaping the Future

The dual revolution in biotechnology heralds an expansion of consumer choices, enabling people to consider health, ethics, and environmental impact in their daily decisions. In 2025, individuals may find themselves opting for DNA-based treatments for chronic disorders or purchasing lab-grown burgers with a significantly lower carbon footprint. Nevertheless, significant hurdles remain. The exorbitant cost of gene editing treatments, ranging between £2-3 million per patient, restricts equitable access, and lab-grown meat faces cultural resistance in regions where traditional farming serves as an economic cornerstone.

To realise the full potential of these technologies, society must engage in crucial discussions about the implications of gene editing and the authenticity of food. As Professor Rodrigo Ledesma Amaro noted, innovative regulatory frameworks are essential for the successful integration of novel food technologies into Western markets, suggesting that the UK must adopt more agile policies akin to those in Singapore.

As the biotechnology revolution progresses, the promise of 2025 presents an unprecedented opportunity to address critical aspects of health and nourishment. Ensuring that the benefits of these advances reach all segments of society remains a pressing challenge, one that will determine the equitable future of health care and food production worldwide.

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Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.inkl.com/news/designer-dna-and-ethical-eating-the-brave-new-world-of-biotech-arrives-in-the-uk - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/11/17/worlds-first-gene-editing-therapy-for-humans-approved-in-uk/ - In November 2023, the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved Casgevy, a gene-editing therapy for sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia. Developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics, this treatment employs CRISPR technology to edit genes, marking the first such approval for human use in the UK. The therapy offers a potential cure for these inherited blood disorders, providing new hope for patients who previously had limited treatment options. The approval signifies a significant advancement in gene therapy and personalized medicine.
https://www.ft.com/content/061c5c18-487d-44aa-89e2-fe692b40c63d - In August 2024, the UK's National Health Service (NHS) approved Casgevy, a CRISPR-based gene-editing treatment for beta thalassemia. Developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics, this therapy edits patients' cells to enable the production of healthy red blood cells. The treatment is available to NHS patients eligible for blood and bone marrow transplants, particularly those of Pakistani, Indian, and Bangladeshi origin. Despite its high cost, a confidential agreement ensures the treatment is provided at a discount, with funding from the Innovative Medicines Fund.
https://www.ft.com/content/9765ab86-0156-4901-b6ec-fbee465ab819 - Basecamp Research, a biotech company founded by British scientists, is pioneering the use of environmental DNA sequencing to build a digital biological database aimed at revolutionizing medicine development. By gathering microbial samples from remote locations, Basecamp seeks undiscovered genetic sequences to enhance AI-driven drug discovery. Their genomic data has already yielded promising results, including the identification of a million new species and improving AI models like AlphaFold for protein folding by up to 600%. The company prioritizes ethical data practices, paying royalties to source countries and partnering with local researchers.
https://www.ft.com/content/25dd49f8-ffc0-46e9-9101-ed81da869ec0 - An infant named KJ has become the first to receive personalized gene therapy for a rare and life-threatening genetic condition. Born with a mutation impairing his liver's ability to process ammonia, KJ underwent experimental treatment using CRISPR gene-editing technology, leading to significant health improvements. This milestone highlights the potential of gene therapy for rare diseases, which affect around 300 million people globally, most of whom lack treatment options. The breakthrough underscores the importance of fundamental scientific research and its translation into life-saving advances.
https://www.ft.com/content/d037cab9-2c01-45ad-a1b4-636c23ab28fe - Anjana Ahuja highlights the potential of innovative ideas to address global hunger, as discussed in her piece. Professor Rodrigo Ledesma Amaro emphasizes that these innovations, such as those developed at the Bezos Centre for Sustainable Protein, require equally innovative regulatory frameworks to successfully reach supermarket shelves. Novel food technologies like precision fermentation and cultivated meat face lengthy, costly, and uncertain regulatory processes that can impede commercial viability, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The UK has an opportunity to lead in the sustainable food sector by adopting agile regulatory approaches similar to Singapore's.
https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/11/17/worlds-first-gene-editing-therapy-for-humans-approved-in-uk/ - In November 2023, the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved Casgevy, a gene-editing therapy for sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia. Developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics, this treatment employs CRISPR technology to edit genes, marking the first such approval for human use in the UK. The therapy offers a potential cure for these inherited blood disorders, providing new hope for patients who previously had limited treatment options. The approval signifies a significant advancement in gene therapy and personalized medicine.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative presents recent developments in gene editing and lab-grown meat, with specific dates and figures, indicating a high level of freshness. However, the approval of Casgevy in November 2023 and the production of cultivated steak by Aleph Farms in early 2025 have been reported in multiple reputable outlets, suggesting that the core information may have been previously published. The inclusion of updated data, such as the number of UK patients receiving gene therapy between January 2024 and March 2025, adds freshness but may not fully offset the recycled nature of the content. The narrative appears to be based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. However, the presence of earlier versions with different figures and dates raises concerns about consistency and originality. Additionally, the narrative includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.

Quotes check

Score: 7

Notes: The direct quote from 'Fatima, 34, from London' appears to be unique to this narrative, with no exact matches found in earlier material, suggesting potential originality. However, without further verification, it's difficult to confirm the authenticity of this quote. The lack of online matches for this quote raises the score but flags it as potentially original or exclusive content.

Source reliability

Score: 6

Notes: The narrative originates from a reputable organisation, Inkl, which aggregates content from various sources. However, the specific authorship and editorial standards of Inkl are not immediately clear, which introduces some uncertainty. The reliance on a press release as the primary source adds to the uncertainty, as press releases are often promotional and may lack independent verification. The presence of earlier versions with different figures and dates raises concerns about consistency and reliability.

Plausability check

Score: 8

Notes: The claims regarding the approval of Casgevy and the production of cultivated steak by Aleph Farms are plausible and align with recent developments in biotechnology. The inclusion of specific figures, such as the number of UK patients receiving gene therapy, adds credibility. However, the lack of supporting detail from other reputable outlets for some claims, such as the personal narrative from 'Fatima,' reduces the score and flags it as potentially synthetic. The tone and language used are consistent with the region and topic, and the structure is focused on the main claims without excessive or off-topic detail.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM

Summary: The narrative presents recent developments in biotechnology, including the approval of Casgevy and the production of cultivated steak, with specific dates and figures. While the core information has been reported in reputable outlets, the inclusion of updated data and a unique quote suggests some level of originality. However, the reliance on a press release as the primary source, the presence of earlier versions with different figures and dates, and the lack of supporting detail from other reputable outlets for certain claims raise concerns about the freshness, originality, and reliability of the content. Therefore, the overall assessment is 'OPEN' with a medium level of confidence.

gene editing
lab-grown meat
biotechnology
healthcare innovation
sustainable food