A first for CRISPR: powerful prime editing alters DNA directly in the human body Application of the high-precision technique is part of a clinical trial to treat a genetic disease that can cause liver and nerve damage. By Heidi Ledford

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-03371-x?utm_source=Live+Audience&utm_campaign=8cc2b96d1b-nature-briefing-daily-20261023&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-33f35e09ea-50432164 First use of prime editing inside the body A powerful gene-editing technique called prime editing has been used to alter DNA directly in a person’s body for the first time. Biotech firm Prime Medicine used the method, which can insert, delete and rewrite segments of DNA, to treat a condition called Wilson disease. The edit targeted a mutation that prevented liver cells from eliminating excess copper. Prime Medicine is one of a slew of companies aiming to engineer cells in the body, which could be cheaper and faster than the conventional method of extracting cells, editing them and reinjecting them.