The database includes: (i) Laboratory research and modelling on gene drives as reported in the academic literature and other sources such as press releases from funders and universities; (ii) Proposals for gene drives as identified from the natural sciences literature; (iii) Proposals deriving from other academic literature (such as literature relating to policy or ethics) are included at the discretion of the researchers, for example if such proposals designate novel targets; and (iv) The database covers gene drives and the closely related field of ‘sex ratio distorters’. ‘Horizontal Environmental Genetic Alteration Agents’ (HEGAAs) based on modified viruses may be included in the future pending further research and development. The database functions as a live literature review. Reports and publications are also periodically published through the database.

Summary: Screening and analysis of the scientific literature up to 31 December 2023 showed: (i) Gene drives were developed or proposed in 43 insect species1. Additionally, gene drives were proposed for 5 general taxonomic groups of insects: (ii) Of these 48 insect species or groups the majority are agricultural pests, 28 in total, while 17 are vectors of human disease, in particular malaria. The agricultural pests include 6 livestock pests or livestock disease vectors, which partially overlap with human disease vectors; (iii) The majority of gene drive proposals were based on eradication/suppression approaches. Only a very few projects were aiming to modify characteristics of insects in the wild; (iv) By the end of 2023 no project was close to producing a usable and proven ‘product’. But some were closer to potential field trials, pending on regulation, risk assessment and further (technical) developments; (v) CRISPR-based homing gene drives were shown to function with reasonable efficiency in several members of the order Diptera (true flies), especially within the mosquito genera Anopheles and Aedes, and within the genus Drosophila. However, it is notable that within another member of the Diptera, the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus, a homing gene drive was only shown to operate at very low efficiency; and (vi) It is unclear how applicable homing CRISPR gene drives will be in insects outside of the Diptera. In nondipteran insects there was only one example of a such a gene drive showing any level of functionality: a very low efficiency system constructed in the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella). As of 1 June 2026 there have been few significant changes since the end of 2023. The majority of newly reported gene drive systems have been in Anopheles mosquitoes, with two also developed in Aedes mosquitoes. Gene drive development is also continuing in fruit fly targets: two more systems have been reported targeting spotted winged drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) and a gene drive has now been developed in the mediterranean fruit fly (Certatitis capitata).

Summary: Screening and analysis of the scientific literature for gene drive development in non-insect targets up to 31 December 2023,1 showed: (i) There are 46 current or proposed non-insect targets; (ii) Proposals span a wide range of species and taxonomic groups: from mammals and fish to snails, arachnids, fungi and plants; (iii) In the vast majority of cases the aim is to suppress or eradicate the target; (iv) Compared to gene drive systems in insects, the systems in other taxonomic groups are further away from releases into the environment; (v) A significant amount of research has focused on developing gene drives in mice, so far with limited success, though efforts are ongoing; (vi) Development of gene drives in mice is seen by many as a pathway to applying the technology in other mammals; and (vii) There appear to be significant obstacles in applying homing CRISPR gene drive technology in new species and taxonomic groups.

Excerpt: Using analogies from engineering, the field of synthetic biology has put forth a vision of biology by design. Some practitioners have acknowledged that it has been used by some to promise ‘easy solutions to difficult problems’ and warn that it must not be framed as ‘the one technical solution to many grave world problems’. Engineered gene drives (EGD) are a form of synthetic biology that have attracted much investment and attention by promising just such easy solutions to serious problems. Does the science stand up to the hype?