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Biosafety Virtual Library Resources (VLR)
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last updated: 11 Aug 2026

General information
Gene Drive Development in Non-Insect Targets – including Vertebrates, Snails, Fungi and Plants: A Horizon Scanning Survey up to end 2023
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Mark Wells and Ricarda A. Steinbrecher
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  • Non-governmental organization (NGO)
2026-04
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Gene Drive Monitor
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Open access
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Access to the resource(s)
Information on the content of the resource
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.
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Keywords for facilitating searching for information in the clearing-houses
  • GBF-T17. Strengthen biosafety and distribute benefits of biotechnology
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Additional Information
Additional keywords: Homing; CRISPR; Cas9; daisy chain drive; population suppression; population modification; sterility; rodents; mice; mouse; rats; squirrels; cats; foxes; stoats; possums; deer; pigs; rabbits; birds; amphibians; cane toad; frog; carp; lionfish; lamprey; arachnids; mites; molluscs; snail; nematodes; flatworms; fungi; Fusarium; plants; Arabidopsis; tobacco; grass; hemp; amaranth; weed.

Note: An additional horizon scan of the development of gene drives in insect species can be found on BCH record #300564.
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