Somatic genome editing with the use of AI: Big promises but doubled legal issues

Abstract

Both Artificial Intelligence ('AI') and genome editing are technologies that on their own promise to revolutionise healthcare. But their common application can facilitate progress in the field even more. Multiplied benefits go along with increased risks. In this chapter I identify and analyse legal challenges associated with applying AI facilities in medicinal products based on somatic genome editing. These challenges are caused by several factors. First, the two technologies share the characteristics that create and facilitate common risks. Second, each of the technologies is subject to very complex regulatory frameworks. These frameworks are not substantially connected to control the safety and quality of the common product. The main argument of this paper is that the management of common risks is only possible through common procedures. I discover the gaps in the current legislation that prevent from establishing these common procedures and provide recommendations to fill them in.