In a move that underscores the accelerating convergence of genomics, reproductive medicine, and bioethics, Manhattan Genomics, a biotechnology company co-founded by entrepreneur Cathy Tie and genomic researcher Eriona Hysolli, Ph.D., has announced the formation of its full scientific advisory team. The group brings together internationally recognized experts to guide the company’s mission of developing preventative genomic therapies aimed at halting the transmission of severe inherited diseases.
This technology presents extraordinary opportunities, so it’s critical that it moves forward and does so ethically. Our goal is to reduce suffering for the families facing these inherited mutations in a way that is scientifically rigorous and ethically sound. To do that, there has to be strong oversight, a commitment to patient safety, and we have to ensure that we communicate clearly about our work so that people understand the tremendous potential public health benefits.
John R. Quain, an Ethics Fellow in the Bioethics Program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City
Building on recent breakthroughs in embryonic gene editing and mitochondrial replacement therapy, Manhattan Genomics seeks to address genetic disorders at their source. The company’s research focuses on correcting pathogenic mutations in gametes and preimplantation embryos, with potential applications for conditions such as Huntington’s disease, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell anemia.
To undertake a mission as ambitious as the Manhattan Project, we must have the people who pioneered the key technologies that will usher in the next stage of human health. We are thrilled to build out this exceptional team who will help change the future of human health.
Eriona Hysolli, Ph.D, co-founder at Manhattan Genomics
Central to the company’s approach is a commitment to ethical responsibility and transparency. To that end, Manhattan Genomics has enlisted John R. Quain, Ethics Fellow in the Bioethics Program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, whose work explores the ethical implications of applying genetic technologies in both human health and agriculture.
The company’s newly announced team also includes:
- Norbert Gleicher, MD – Medical Director and Chief Scientist of New York’s Center for Human Reproduction (CHR). A world-renowned clinical scientist and authority on ovarian aging and diminished ovarian reserve. A visiting scientist at Rockefeller University and a visiting professor at the Medical University of Austria, in Vienna.
- Carol Hanna, Ph.D & Jon Hennebold, Ph.D – Directors and professors at Oregon National Primate Research Center with expertise in non-human primate assisted reproductive technologies and embryo biology at the world’s premier primate research institution.
- Stephen Turner, Ph.D – Former Head of Genomics Strategy at Colossal Biosciences and current Professor of data science at the University of Virginia. Specialist in computational modeling and infrastructure for polygenic traits and disease prediction.
This is our generation’s Manhattan Project. To ensure no child inherits a preventable genetic disease. Families are desperate for solutions, and we are committed to eliminate inherited diseases that devastate families across generations. With the brightest minds in bioethics and reproductive medicine guiding our work, we’re building the foundation for responsible genomic medicine, advancing cures under the strongest ethical and regulatory guardrails while positioning the U.S. to lead globally in this transformative field.
Cathy Tie, co-founder at Manhattan Genomics
Manhattan Genomics aims to redefine the standard of care by integrating next-generation genomic medicine with robust data science and principled ethical frameworks. Through open scientific collaboration and regulatory transparency, the company envisions positioning the United States as a leader in the responsible development of germline genomic therapies.