CRISPR’s next act: the companies editing the epigenome to treat disease

In late 2021, Amber Salzman, a seasoned pharmaceutical executive, unexpectedly decided to join Epicrispr Biotechnologies as its chief executive after learning about their focus on facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), a condition affecting her husband’s family. Epicrispr, a start-up based in South San Francisco, is pioneering targeted epigenetic editing, a technique that alters chemical markers on DNA to switch genes on or off, offering a more precise approach than existing medications. This innovative method was highlighted at the International Research Congress on FSHD, where Epicrispr shared trial data. The work of Epicrispr and similar companies could revolutionize genetic therapies, offering hope for those with genetic disorders like FSHD. QUESTION: How might advancements in targeted epigenetic editing change the future of medicine and impact individuals with genetic disorders?