Speakers:
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Greg Newby, Assistant Professor of Genetic Medicine at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
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Jeremias Sulam, Assistant Professor in the Biomedical Engineering Department at the Whiting School of Engineering at Johns Hopkins University
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Nitish Thakor, Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Neurology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
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Adler Archer, Inaugural Director of the Office of Strategy Management at the Whiting School of Engineering at Johns Hopkins University; Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Biomedical Engineering with a joint appointment at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
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Jeffrey Kahn, Andreas C. Dracopoulos Director of the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics; Professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
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Moderated by: Debra Mathews, Associate Director for Research and Programs for the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics; Professor in the Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Key Takeaways
The panel on biotechnology brought together experts from various fields to discuss the rapid advancements, ethical challenges, and governance issues in the industry.
Nitish Thakor highlighted ethical and economic dilemmas in resource allocation in relation to massive investments in advanced neurotechnology, such as Elon Musk's Neuralink, in contrast with affordable prosthetics that could impact millions globally. He also emphasized the importance of developing ecosystems similar to the successful deployment of defibrillators, combining public investment, private innovation, and societal awareness. Greg Newby focused on CRISPR technology and noted the approval of the first CRISPR-based therapy for sickle cell disease in the UK and the anticipated FDA approval in the U.S. Newby stressed the transformative potential of genome editing but raised concerns about equitable access, high costs, and the potentially different genetic responses across populations.
Jeremias Sulam emphasized the critical need for trustworthiness and fairness in AI applications, particularly in clinical decision-making. Salam pointed out the disconnect between technical researchers, policymakers, and the public regarding AI's societal constraints. He called for interdisciplinary collaboration and public education to bridge these gaps, ensuring AI systems are transparent, robust, and aligned with ethical standards. Jeffrey Kahn addressed international governance challenges in regulating emerging biotechnologies, noting the varying national policies and regulatory frameworks. He warned against "technology tourism," where individuals seek treatments in countries with lax regulations, and emphasized the need for stronger global governance mechanisms. Adler Archer discussed fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to address community health needs. Drawing on his experience in digital health innovation, Archer highlighted programs that integrate business, engineering, and design students to develop practical healthcare solutions.
Throughout the discussion, the panelists collectively emphasized the ethical responsibility to align technological advancements with societal needs. They highlighted the importance of equitable access, thoughtful governance, and the integration of diverse perspectives in shaping biotechnology's future.