Editas Medicine Campaign Project Paper

Editas Medicine Campaign

CRISPR Technology in the U.S. Yes to Level- headed Government Regulation Over Moral Panic of Private Research

Project by: Mrunal Bhavsar Xiaomeng Jiang Chenxi Chen

Professor: R. Douglas Rozman Course: Strategic Communication.

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INITIAL STRUCTURE………………………………………………………………………………...3

1.1 Over-arching issue…………………………………………………………………………..3

1.2 Client…...……………………………………………………………………………………..3

1.3 Determining frame.………………………………………………………………………….3

2. THE ANALYSIS………………………………………………………………………………………..4

2.1 Situation………………………………………………………………………………………4

2.2 Magnitude…………………………………………………………….................................5

2.3 Likelihood…………………………………………………………………………………….6

2.4 Affected stakeholder groups………………………………………………………………..7

3. THE COMMUNICATION PLAN……………………………………………………………………...7

3.1 Business/ Organizational Objectives………………………………………………………7

3.2 Communication Objectives. ………………………………………………………………..8

3.3 Communication Strategies………………………………………………..........................8

3.4 Audiences…………………………………………………………………………………….9

3.5 Messages…………………………………………………………………………………...10

3.6 Tactics……………………………………………………………………………………….12

3.7 Implementation………………………………………………………………………….....16

3.8 Assessment…………………………………………………………………………………18

4. REFERENCES………………………………………………………………………………............19

3

1) The Initial Structure

1.1 Over-arching Issue

Lack of government’s support and regulation for genetic modification (CRISPR) research, limits

the scope for treating genetic disorders and infant mortality in the U.S.

1.2 Client

Editas Medicine1 is one of the most established organizations researching on gene modification

using CRISPR technology along with panel of expert scientists. Editas has published several

articles in academic publications and gained attention for its contribution in the medical industry.

Currently, Editas is successfully working on the CRISPR technology for curing blindness and

HIV with private funding and no federal regulation. Therefore, Editas intends to receive federal

backing and regulation to associate itself to the U.S. government for outcomes that are

beneficial for the society.

1.3 Determining Frame

The issue of genetic disorder in babies and infant mortality has taken the U.S. by storm.

Compared to 27 wealthy nations, the U.S. infant mortality rate 42% higher2. Each year, 1 out of

333 babies is born with genetic birth defect in the U.S. out of which 70% are left untreated. Even

after being amongst technologically advanced nation, the ignorance towards supporting gene

modification technology, CRISPR by the U.S. government is killing the scope of a revolutionary

treatment for genetic disorders.

CRISPR is a precise DNA editing technology that replaces the faulty gene to cure more than

3000 genetic disorders. Today CRISPR is in the hands of privatization with unrestricted power

that is driven by profit-maximization, scientific greed and unethical measures. For safe future of

American babies and genetic modification technology, it’s time for the U.S. to say yes to level-

headed governmental regulation over moral panic of private research.

1 http://www.editasmedicine.com/ 2http://www.healthsystemtracker.org/2015/07/how-infant-mortality-rates-in-the-united-states

3 http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/birth-defects.html

4

2) The Analysis

2.1 The Situation

The Issue of Birth Disorders and Infant Mortality

Globally, 7.9 million4 children each year are born with a serious birth defect that has a

significant genetic contribution. Since decades, this problem is persistent in the United States,

as every four and a half minutes a baby is born with a birth defect. That translates into nearly

120,0005 babies affected by birth defects each year in the U.S.

According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), The United States has 42

percent6 higher infant mortality rate than 27 other wealthy countries. The most common birth

disorders observed in U.S. infants include Neural tube defects, Sickle cell diseases and

chromosome disorders; which can be cured with the CRISPR technology. Even after being

amongst the wealthiest and technologically advanced nation, the evasion from supporting gene

modification technology (CRISPR) by the U.S. government is leading to detrimental

consequences.

Regulation Scenario in the U.S.

In the year 2001, the FDA banned7 to research on human gene modification after an unofficial

private experiment turned unsuccessful at the Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Science

of St. Barnabas, NJ. President Obama lifted this ban in year 2009. Currently, National Institute

of health (NIH) or any federal money is not permitted to be used to destroy embryos and gene

modification research. However, the research based on private funding remains unregulated in

the U.S.

On the contrary, various countries including Australia and U.K., provides federal support and

enforce strict regulations for private research on the human genetic modification. Since the U.S.

owns the high-end technology and resources, it is an essential responsibility of government to

explore the research and related medical possibilities for society.

4 http://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/birth-defects-causes-and-statistics-863 5 http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr64/nvsr64_02.pdf 6 http://www.healthsystemtracker.org/2015/07/how-infant-mortality-rates-in-the-united-states 7 http://www.councilforresponsiblegenetics.org/pageDocuments/YN3RBRQ4GO.pdf）

5

The CRISPR technology- A Boon for American Medical Industry

The MIT Technology Review and Forbes magazine have called the gene editing technology-

CRISPR as “The Biggest Biotech Discovery”8. At the end of 2014, about 600 research9

papers had been published on CRISPR that highlighted the possible outcomes of using the

technology for medical treatments. CRISPR enables physicians to cure multiple genetic

diseases including Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and cardio-vascular blood disorder; as

well as potentially treat Cancer, Birth- Blindness, HIV etc. CRISPR technology is already widely

researched by biologists all around world to alter DNA, mainly because of the precision, cost

affordability, and efficiency of the technology.

As per a recent analysis by Heidi Ledford10 from Nature- International Journal of Science, the

government regulation of countries for CRISPR technology varies from being rigid to

unregulated. The U.S. government’s lack of regulation in private sector flags its concerns of

human embryo manipulation. Rosario Isasi, a legal scholar at McGill University, Canada, points

to two key reasons for no change in legislation over the years: first, the derivation of embryonic

stem cells; and the other about reproductive cloning.

2.2 Magnitude

Editas recently received a large investment of $120 million11 by a firm called Bng0, which is

backed by Bill Gates that aims for the advancement of the gene modification industry. The

mission Editas is to facilitate technological development and provide the technology to the

masses with government support. Editas is already researching the cure for blood cancer and

blindness in collaboration with Juno Therapeutics Inc. in Seattle.

However, lack of government backing and regulation hinders the operation of Editas restricting

the research and limiting the scope for organization’s service for the general public. The federal

encouragement and regulating the technology research under FDA would ensure smooth

operations with sufficient financial and human resources for research. In addition, Editas will

experience increase in its credibility and reputation for global recognition if the organization is

associated with the U.S. government.

8 http://www.nanalyze.com/2015/04/7-gene-editing-companies-investors-should-watch/ 9 http://www.netwellness.org/healthtopics/idbd/2.cfm 10 http://www.nature.com/news/where-in-the-world-could-the-first-crispr-baby-be-born-1.18542 11 http://www.forbes.com/sites/matthewherper/2015/08/10/bill-gates-and-13-other-investors-pour-120-million

6

2.3 Likelihood

Currently, Editas like various other organizations is successfully working on the CRISPR

technology with private funding. However, the increasing ethical complications and double-

sided viewpoints of media, experts and few influential economies can put the CRISPR

technology at risk for Editas. As a result of precautionary measure, it is recommended for Editas

to emphasize the benefits of technology in medical industry and appeal for regulation to avoid

exploitation of the technology by other private researchers. In such case, there are two possible

outcomes for Editas.

First, Editas will face opposition for the CRISPR research. If the Federal government doesn’t

support the technology research, multiple organizations including Editas, and universities

working on CRISPR in public interest would be at risk of losing a medical industry

transformation. The continuation of Privatization will have following consequences:

- Increase the drive for profit maximization (Use of saleable technology or product)

- Proliferate scientific greed for unethical research measures (Access to human embryo)

- Obligate social and ethical implications, adversely affecting specific groups

- Provide access of technology to the upper hierarchy of audience

Second, Editas will continue the CRISPR research and deliver a life-changing medical

technology to the public under government’s guidance and regulation. The government

regulation will also ensure fair use of the research and have following execution outcomes:

- Make technology available to the general people for medical treatments

- Set regulation to ensure ethical use of the technology

- Keeps government informed about the updates and encourages new research

- Supervises unknown outcomes (e.g. NHMRC in Australia regulates CRISPR research)

The primary focus of this communication plan is to increase the probability second outcome i.e.

Federal support and regulation for success of campaign in favor of Editas.

7

2.4 Affected stakeholder groups

Primary stakeholders

Investors and employees of Editas are directly affected with the outcomes of the campaign.

Investors like Bng0, Juno Therapeutics, Third Rock Ventures and many more will obtain

appreciation with higher ROI if Editas receives government support.

Shareholders

Editas Medicine Inc. became IPO Company12 in 2016 after selling $94.4 million in stock;

according to research firm Renaissance Capital. In this case, it is imperative for the company

to get federal backing to expand the business and gain public support.

The industry researchers

The scope for researcher alliances and experimental insights for technological development will

strengthen if Editas validates its association with the U.S. government. And so, community from

which Editas draws its resources will be integrated.

3) The Communication Plan

3.1 Business or Organizational Objectives

Long- term

1. Pass a legislation that ensures the U.S. government’s support and funding for human genetic

modification research (CRISPR)

Short- term

1. Gain U.S. government’s support for the research of CRISPR technology.

2. Create federal association for global recognition and expansion.

3.Position Editas as revolutionary firm that cares for people by expanding community reach and partnerships. 12 https://www.bostonglobe.com/editas-medicine-raises-million-year-first-ipo/cnusWaNwNdlGkPsF1QAGlL/story.html

8

4. Implement the government regulation of private research under the FDA.

5. Increase research funds to find cure for genetic disorders through CRISPR.

3.2 Communication Objectives

The overall communication objective is to gain the U.S. government’s support and regulation for

the research of gene modification technology (CRISPR) for smooth functioning of the private

sector and ethical research practices that boosts the reputation and credibility of Editas.

Specifically mentioned as follows:

1. Educate audiences the benefits of CRISPR technology for treating genetic disorders.

2. Raise awareness about the need of government support and regulation.

3. Inform about the government ignorance and lack of regulation in private research.

4. Gain support from medical experts, industry influencers and targeted audience.

3.3 Communication Strategies

Firstly, we plan to achieve our communication objectives by framing the issue from a

comparison perspective, by highlighting the benefits of government regulation and

disadvantages of privatization. This will cause the audience to a bottleneck situation to select a

stance, which will positively lean towards supporting CRISPR research.

Secondly, we will emphasize on CSR efforts and reputation that Editas holds to contribute in

public interest. Apart from the above, our main strategies are as follows:

Strategy 1: To pass a law that demands complete government regulation under FDA and

Department of Health and Human Services for Gene modification Technology (CRISPR)

research. This strategy requires to persuade policymakers to vote for the law.

Strategy 2: Increase general public’s support by targeting media platforms.

Campaign will focus to educate public about the benefits and need to regulate CRISPR

technology for treating medical issues. To make this possible it is imperative to win the media

9

spotlight and gain more media coverage and publicity that will amplify the influence of CRISPR

via effective media communication.

Strategy 3: Influence the research industry people for collective support.

The industry experts, scientists, technology formers are the most influential group of audience

that can provide collectively support Editas. E.g. Collective support to industry experts at The

National Academy of Sciences- International Summit, will help Editas reach its objective by

discussing scientific, ethical, and governance issues associated with human gene-editing

research.

3.4 Audiences

1. Government officials /Policy Makers

To win support from government for CRISPR technology, government officials are the most

important audience segment that holds decisive power for the success of this communication

plan. Government officials will be targeted specifically for lobbying.

2. General Public

It is the constituencies that affect the decision making of the regulators. In this case, our primary

target remains the mass audience including the people suffering for childbirth diseases who are

unaware of the possibilities of treatment with CRISPR technology. Mainly, parents and pregnant

middle age women (25- 40) looking for treatment.

3. Industry researchers and Influencers

Government-funded research can either be carried out by the government itself, or through

grants to outsourced researchers. Moreover, government-sponsored research allows

unrestricted research that can be filed as intellectual property claims. Thus， industry

researchers prefer to and are in need to gain government funding and support, which gives

them a freer and safer environment to conduct research. Supporting Editas will attest the cause

of the campaign bringing the campaign step closer to its objective.

10

3.5 Messages/ Supporting Frame

Our three frames and supporting messages are inline with the main frame i.e. to push forward

level-headed governmental regulation over moral panic of private research to ensure a safe

future of American babies genetic modification industry. Specifically, focus on following:

1.“CRISPR is a boon for American medical industry to cure the genetic disorders.”

· CRISPR is most cost affordable research till date. Studies estimate that to set up a CRISPR

editing capability, a lab requires RNA fragment (costing about $10) and off-the-shelf chemicals

and enzymes for $30 or less13.

· The efficiency aspect has revolutionized and democratized CRISPR research. The study

report by National Cancer Institute (NIH) shows that, CRISPR is 7614 percent more efficient in

comparison to other gene editing methods like ZFNs and TALENs.

· CRISPR holds capability to cure genetic disorders like Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD),

cardio-vascular blood disorder, and sickle cell disease; as well as can potentially treat Cancer,

Birth- Blindness, and HIV. The researchers have successfully cured DMD15 in mice by loading

the CRISPR complex into a virus and injecting it into mouse fetuses.

2. “Government support ensures stable and ethical research of CRISPR technology.”

· MIT technology survey represented inference that CRISPR technology is preferred more to

use for medical treatments rather than cosmetic purposes by the U.S. adults, which needs

ethical regulation by government16.

13 http://singularityhub.com/gene-editing-is-now-cheap-and-easy-and-no-one-is-prepared-for-the-consequences/ 14 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4483309/ 15 http://www.popsci.com/for-first-time-crispr-treats-genetic-disease 16 https://www.technologyreview.com/s/535661/engineering-the-perfect-baby/

11

· CRISPR- Cas9 market report by Bioinformatics validates the need for federal regulation. As,

North America alone comprise 40%17 of worldwide CRISPR- Cas9 technology research with

more than 400 scientists implementing or researching the technology privately.

· The MIT research emphasizes that since research is in its initial stage; in a rare case scenario

it would be difficult to control the number of cell modification, which brings the need of

government regulation. Studies using gene editing in animals such as rats, cattle, and sheep

indicate that it is possible to delete or disable genes in an embryo18.

3. “Adopting worldwide trend of federal support, safeguards future generation and

CRISPR technology in the U.S.”

· British Researcher, Kathy Niakan got federal permission to edit genes of human embryos with

the CRISPR technology19 and understand the cascade of genetic switches that are thrown as

the fertilized egg progresses through its first few division.

· China scientists’ team has successfully modified a human embryo by collecting 213 fertilized

human eggs from 87 patients to make it resistant to the HIV virus under regulation of Chinese

government.20

· Chinese scientists’ have successfully reported21 editing the genomes of human embryos using

non-viable embryos with CRISPR to modify the gene responsible for β-thalassemia, a potential

fatal blood disorder. 22

17 http://www.gene2drug.com/images/IMI-The-Market-for-CRISPR_Report-Brochure-15-013.pdf 18 http://www.nature.com/news/don-t-edit-the-human-germ-line-1.17111 19 http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/02/health/crispr-gene-editing-human-embryos-kathy-niakan-britain.html?_r=0 20 http://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-genetically-modify-an-embryo-for-only-the-second-time-ever 21 http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs13238-015-0153-5 22 http://www.nature.com/news/chinese-scientists-genetically-modify-human-embryos-1.17378

12

3.6 Tactics

1. International Summit on Human-Gene Editing

The National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Medicine have launched a

new initiative that includes an International summit to convene global experts to discuss the

scientific, ethical, and governance issues associated with human gene-editing research.

The consensus committee will host a public meeting in Paris on April 29, 2016 focusing on the

agenda underlying human gene editing governance and policy, which is perfect for Editas to

positively influence and network with members of the committee.

U.S. Members of the International Summit23

·Vivian K. Cahill- Director Emeritus, Beckman Center for Molecular and Genetic Medicine,

Stanford University, California.

· Samuel E. Lux IV- Director of Stem Cell Transplantation Program, Boston Children's Hospital,

Boston.

· Jennifer A. Doudna- Investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Berkeley.

The committee will issue a report in 2016 with findings and recommendations for the

responsible use of human gene-editing research. The goal is to form positive opinion and

support the government regulation and funding policy for the research of CRISPR technology in

the U.S. The report in favor of Editas and CRISPR is a great attesting document to push the

legislation forward. This can be achieved by presenting research findings in form of info-

brochures and whitepapers to members attending the summit. Lastly, We will pitch the members

about facts and statistics and have them sign a petition to support the idea of government

support for research.

23 http://www.nationalacademies.org/gene-editing/Gene-Edit-Summit/index.htm

13

2. Industry experts influence audience through media platforms.

Highlight the benefits and talk about initial complexities of CRISPR technology and the need for

government regulation to decide research boundaries, support official experiments, and ensure

no misuse of the technology. If medical experts communicate details of the issue, the audience

will find it credible and engage with the issue at a higher rate. Our major focus will be on print

media that covers placements of Op-eds, News Feature, and press releases; and television

media for interviews and documentary placements. The goal is to target all the segments of

audience and so accordingly specific selection of the media is made. Scientific Magazines such

as Nature and Science; General Media such as Science/Tech section of The New York Times

and Tech Times; Tech section of Washington Post; Television channel such as Discovery

Channel etc.

Key Reporters

· Marcy Darnovsky, the executive of the Center for Genetics and Society.

· Nicholas Wade, journalist from The New York Times (Covered related stories in past)

· Angela Laguipo, the journalist from Tech Times.

· Andrea Morabito, reporter for the New York Post.

· Catherine DiBenedetto, feature editor for Health Magazine.

· Danielle Simmons, the publisher of Nature Magazine.

Industry Experts

Use medical expert's opinion as an influencing tool to attract Government support.

· Eric Landers, Founder of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, who has devoted his career

to research the human genome for medicine.

· George Church, professor of genetic at Harvard Medical School and is also affiliated with the

Wyss Institute and MIT Media Lab.

· Steven Pinker, professor of psychology at Harvard University and the author of 10 books. He

strongly believes that it GM research should not be banned because of nebulous terror about

tampering with a sacrosanct entity called “the human germline”- a concept which is biological

nonsense.

14

3. Target key Policy Makers by Lobbying

Propose to the government legislation department and lobbying elected officials is the key to

pass strict law and policies to regulate private research and government’s support for CRISPR.

This requires to persuade lawmakers for vote in favor of Editas. The tactics will be specific

actions such as:

· Drafting a sample law to present to lawmakers

· Arranging phone calling campaigns to lawmakers

· Planning demonstrations for officials that prove the need of Government support.

· Lobbying government officials that incline towards a democratic approach regarding the Gene

Modification technology (CRISPR).

4. Editas CRISPR Exhibition

Invite media journalists to the organization’s exhibition that demonstrates how CRISPR

technology works and its future outcomes as a medical treatment. Arrange media conference

with scientists and experts on the topic of CRISPR and pitch an exclusive feature in magazine

and Discovery channel. The media conference will focus on one-to-one interview with scientists

who are researching and making efforts for CRISPR. This will give a brief viewpoint to the

audience about the definition and principle of CRISPR. The exclusive media out will be posted

on the science section of The New York Times.

5. Increase public awareness through Social Media

Twitter: Throughout the campaign experts and reporters would address CRISPR issue with the

hashtag #need4CRISPR and #yes2regulation to elaborate their standpoints. Out of 271 million

users on Twitter, most of experts have over 10k followers, so their social media handles itself

would reach targeted audience. Twitter chats will further engage the followers.

Facebook: Leverage existing Facebook page with AHB and MIT Hacking Medicine and expert

opinion pieces to use the power of social media to engage those niche audiences interested in

15

expertise opinions about gene editing. Immediately post activities and news on CRISPR, and

keep audience updated with the latest trend to impart scientific knowledge on GM technology.

YouTube: Open a YouTube subscription account; post videos technology process videos about

CRISPR and human genetic modification field. Videos can also comprise of international summit

live program, interviews with experts discussing their view on GM technology etc. Run

documentary on YouTube Channel ‘Nova’. Lastly, post opinion pieces at The Biology Blog by

George Church (@georgechurch)

6. Collaborations with NGOs and Medical Institutions

Collaborate with health organizations and non-government organization to host campaigns,

deliver brochures that raise public awareness about human genetic engineering. NGOs and

nonprofit organizations are listed as follows:

·Alliance for Humane Biotechnology24- AHB is a grassroots effort by scholars, students, and

activists to dedicated to raise awareness about the political and social implications of genetic

engineering.

·MIT Hacking Medicine25-MIT Hacking Medicine is an entrepreneurship created by MIT that is

focused healthcare and digital strategies to solve health problems worldwide. In December

2015, MIT Technology Review published Everything You need to know about CRISPR Gene

Editing Monster Year 26 in supporting CRISPR technology and its potential outcome.

Collaborating with MIT would bring attention of more industry experts·

·Genetics and Public Policy Center27- The Center works to help policy leaders, decision makers,

and the public to understand the rapidly evolving field of CRISPR and its application to

healthcare. To inform genetic policy decisions, the Center surveys public attitudes about

genetics issues, conducts analyses of the existing regulatory landscape, and monitors the

transition of genetic applications into clinical practice.

24 http://humanebiotech.com 25 http://hackingmedicine.mit.edu/about/ 26 https://www.technologyreview.com/s/543941/everything-you-need-to-know-about-crispr-gene-editings-monster-year/ 27 http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/archived-projects/genetics-and-public-policy-center/research-and-analysis

16

7. Spokesperson

Appoint and train spokesperson to give a speech at media conferences, networking events and

be the representative of the campaign that would draw government’s attention to support and

regulate CRISPR research.

Potential spokesperson

Rep. Bill Foster28 is the last scientist in Congress has urged that it is the time to engage in

serious and thoughtful discussion about CRISPR and its impact in future for human race.

George M. Church, the geneticist at Harvard Medical School and professor of Health Sciences

and Technology at Harvard and MIT. He holds the optimistic view of human CRISPR technology

and is influential in the industry.

3.7 Implementation In order to implement the tactics successfully, documents as follows are required in advance for

smooth implementation.

The international summit on human-gene editing

· Info- brochures and whitepapers about CRISPR

· Documents needed Script of the speech including presentation (with all the contents required)

· Prepared questions and answers in Q&A part

· International Summit final report of 2016

· Pitch to reporters about conference objectives and expert information; exclusively pitch to

Danielle Simmons, the publisher of Nature Magazine.

- Nicholas Wade, the journalist from The New York Times

- Danielle Simmons, the publisher of Nature Magazine

Media channels

· Prepare media kit including news feature, news release, statement and Q&A for media outlets.

In addition, prepare television interview script with industry experts.

- Marcy Darnovsky, the executive of the Center for Genetics and Society

28 http://foster.house.gov/

17

- Angela Laguipo, the journalist from Tech Times.

- Andrea Morabito, reporter for the New York Post.

- Catherine DiBenedetto, feature editor for health magazine.

Lobbying Officials to propose government legislation

· Draft sample and main content of legislation

· List of officials for Lobbying

· Prepare contact list for phone calling , and lobbying documents and materials.

· Venue bookings for in person meetings with congressmen

· White paper, including all relevant materials (statistics, CRISPR technology success and

adoption in other countries, future plans)

Editas exhibition

· Prepare contents displayed on exhibition including images and video on how CRISPR works

its effect on human genes

· Write invitations to guests and industry reporters

· Arrange media interview and Q&A

· Pitch to reporters and send out press release

· Photographer/videographer to document exhibition

· Budget for the event and Staffing for technicians

Collaboration with NGO

· Contract for the collaboration with NGO and MIT Hacking Medicine Institute

· Brochures including information about EDITAS and CRISPR technology, and budget plans

and agenda backed for the collaboration

Spokesperson

· Agreement/contract with George M. Church and Rep. Bill Foster

· Posters, flyers, photos and videos for promoting the campaign

Social media

· Content generation including photos, videos, news, and website links, all would be updated

with the industry development.

· Flyers, brochures and pamphlet for posting on official page of Editas.

18

3.8 Assessment

The evaluation of the tactics is key to success of our whole communication plan. Since CRISPR

regulation campaign consumes both time and monetary resources, we have outlined short term

and long-term assessment of whole process.

Short term:

· Social media: Monitor the number of engagement, shares, comments, followers on Facebook

and Twitter, and the browsing statistics on YouTube. Key monitoring tools include twitter

analytics, social mention, Topsy, and Talkwalker. Targeted increase is 40% of the total social

media engagement as tool of publicizing and educating the masses. Lastly, monitor website

traffic of Editas and other collaborated NGO’s.

· Press coverage: Success of press release about international summit and organization

exhibition in local press. Our objective is to receive coverage in our targeted newspaper and

magazines (New York Times, Tech Times, Natural Magazine) and analyze both active and

negative feedback, to minimize the objective mistakes to zero, and maximize the public

influence to 100%.

· Audience engagement: increase the engagement of three groups of audience, government

officials, general public, and industry officials to 40%, arouse the general public’s awareness on

the technology, get approved by and collaborate with industry experts, and keep in touch with

government officials, follow up the latest status of legislation process.

· Editas CRISPR exhibition: Evaluate the impact of the exhibition in the media and medical

industry by measuring total media impressions and placements, increase in industry

connections, and overall public attitudinal change. (In- person meetings, feedback, Television

documentary TRP’s, online discussion about CRISPR)

· Success of lobbying: Numbers of federal officials who changed their stance by supporting

CRISPR and assisting to pass law for it. At the same time, edit the lobbying materials to win the

rest’s vote with the aim of covering 55% of the policy makers.

19

Long term:

· Whether CRISPR technology is completely backed by federal government’s regulation to start

gene-editing application by the end of year 2018

· Pass legislation on human gene editing technology by category. Enact regulations on funding

sources, and gain government support for human gene editing study annually.

· Apply the regulated and developed human gene editing technology on medical cure. Appoint

external research company to study reduction in infant mortality and genetic birth disorders in

the U.S. year by year and continue to bring the technology to the international stage to

contribute to the human medial accomplishments.

Reference: • Alliance for Humane Biotechnology.(2007). What is AHB? Retrieved from: http://humanebiotech.com/ • BioInformatics. (2015). Interactive Market Intelligence: The Market for CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing

Products. Retrieved from: http://www.gene2drug.com/images/IMI-The-Market-for-CRISPR_Report-Brochure-15-013.pdf

• Cyranoski, D. & Reardon, S. (2015). Chinese Scientists Genetically Modify Human Embryos.

Retrieved from: <http://www.nature.com/news/chinese-scientists-genetically-modify-human-embryos-1.17378>

• Foster, R. B. (2015). Last Scientist in Congress has Human Genetic Engineering Warning

Genetics and Public Policy Center. Retrieved from: http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/archived-projects/genetics-and-public-policy-center/research-and-analysis

• Gonzales, S.& Kamal, R. (2015). How Infant Mortality rates in the United States Compare to Rates in

Other Countries, Retrieved from: http://www.healthsystemtracker.org/2015/07/how-infant-mortality-rates-in-the-united-states-compare-to-rates-in-other-countries/

• Herper, M. (2015). Bill Gates And 13 Other Investors Pour $120 Million Into Revolutionary Gene-

Editing Startup. Retrieved from: http://www.forbes.com/sites/matthewherper/2015/08/10/bill-gates-and-13-other-investors-pour-120-million-into-revolutionary-gene-editing-startup/#34ffffe0664c

• Kaur,K., Tandon, H., Gupta,A. H. and Kumar, M. (2015) .CrisprGE: a central hub of CRISPR/Cas-

based genome editing. Retrieved from:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4483309/ • Lanphier, E., Urnov,F., Haecker, E,S., Werner, M.and Smolenski, J.(2015).Don’t edit the human germ

line. Retrieved from: http://www.nature.com/news/don-t-edit-the-human-germ-line-1.17111

20

• Ledford, H. (2015). Where in the world could the first CRISPR baby be born? A look at the legal

landscape suggests where human genome editing might be used in research or reproduction. Retrieved from:http://www.nature.com/news/where-in-the-world-could-the-first-crispr-baby-be-born-1.18542

• Liang P. et.al. (2015). CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing in human tripronuclear zygotes.

Retrieved from: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs13238-015-0153-5 • Mit Hacking Medicine (2016). Mission Statement. Retrieved from: http://humanebiotech.com/ • Nanalyze,N. (2015). 7 Gene Editing Companies Investors Should Watch. Retrieved from:

http://www.nanalyze.com/2015/04/7-gene-editing-companies-investors-should-watch/ • NetWellness Exclusive. (2010). Inherited Disorders and Birth Defects. Retrieved

from:http://www.netwellness.org/healthtopics/idbd/2.cfm • Nield, D. (2016). Chinese Scientists have Genetically Modified a Human Embryo Again. Retrieved

from: http://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-genetically-modify-an-embryo-for-only-the-second-time-ever

• Ossola,A. (2016).CRISPR gene Editing Successfully Stops Muscular Dystrophy in Living Mice. Retrieved from: http://www.popsci.com/for-first-time-crispr-treats-genetic-disease

• Park, A. (2016). U.K. Approves First Studies of New Gene Editing Technique CRISPR on Human

Embryos. Retrieved from: http://time.com/4200695/crispr-new-gene-editing-on-human-embryos-approved/

• Ragalado, A. (2015). Everything You Need to Know About CRISPR Gene Editing Monster Year.

Retrieved from: https://www.technologyreview.com/s/543941/everything-you-need-to-know-about-crispr-gene-editings-monster-year/

• Ragalado, A. (2015).Engineering the Perfect Baby. Retrieved from:

https://www.technologyreview.com/s/535661/engineering-the-perfect-baby/ • Reardon, S, (2015). US Science Academies Take on Human-Genome Editing: National Academy of

Science and National Academy of Medicine to Develop Guidelines for Rapidly Advancing Technology to Modify Human Embryos and Germ cells. Retrieved from: <http://www.nature.com/news/us-science-academies-take-on-human-genome-editing-1.17581>

• Rifal, R. (2015). U.S. Scientists Urge Ban on Human Genetic Modification: Genetic engineering,

allowing creation of “designer babies”, could lead to irreversible effects on humanity”. Retrieved from: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/11/scientists-urge-ban-human-genetic-modification-151130163522308.html

• The National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine. (2015). International Summit on Human Gene Editing. Retrieved from: http://www.nationalacademies.org/gene-editing/Gene-Edit-Summit/index.htm

21

• Wade, N. (2016). British Researcher Gets Permission to Edit Genes of Human Embryos. Retrieved from: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/02/health/crispr-gene-editing-human-embryos-kathy-niakan-britain.html?_r=0

• Wadhwa, V.(2015). Gene Editing Is Now Cheap and Easy—and No One Is Prepared for the

Consequences. Retrieved from: http://singularityhub.com/2015/09/08/gene-editing-is-now-cheap-and-easy-and-no-one-is-prepared-for-the-consequences/

• Weisman, R. (2016).Editas Medicine raises $94.4 million in year’s first IPO. Retrieved from:

https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2016/02/02/editas-medicine-raises-million-year-first-ipo/cnusWaNwNdlGkPsF1QAGlL/story.html

• Xu, J., Murphy, S., Kochanek, K. and Bastian, B.A. Deaths: Final Data for 2013. National Vital

Statistics Reports, 64(2). Retrieved from: http://www.healthsystemtracker.org/2015/07/how-infant-mortality-rates-in-the-united-states-compare-to-rates-in-other-countries/

INFOGRAPHICS

22

23