For Jimi Olaghere, the opportunity to receive gene editing treatment changed everything. All of his life, he had suffered constant pain and organ dysfunction. The experimental CRISPR treatment Olaghere received transformed his symptoms and gave him his life back. However, he notes that for so many with genetic disease, including those with sickle cell, there are huge barriers to treatment.
Now, researchers at Northwestern University have made strides that could increase CRISPR’s accessibility and effectiveness. They experimented with a nanostructure that boosts the ability of gene editing materials to enter cells. The results could help CRISPR realize a fuller potential in treating genetic diseases. The medicine was three times more effective and far safer than previous methods.





