"Biohacker" who tried to modify his DNA investigated the illegal practice of medicine

Josiah Zayner, a leading genetic biohacker, is currently under investigation by representatives of the State of California for his practice of unlicensed medicine.

Zayner has a background in biophysics and runs a company called The Odin, which sells self-made genetic engineering kits and other lab equipment for use outside scientific laboratories. The kits and tools are intended to allow lay users to genetically modify bacteria, yeasts, animals and even humans.

The human being that Zayner's products are best known for attempting to modify is Zayner himself. In fact, the cheeky CEO has a long history of self-experimentation. In 2016, he attempted a DIY faecal transplant at an airport hotel, and then attempted to develop a genetic engineering technique for his skin.

But he is perhaps best known for an alcohol-fueled waterfall that he viewed in October 2017. Between two scotch samples, he's injected his arm into it. described as being the DNA of the CRISPR genetic engineering tool. The stated goal was that CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing machines could cut off and disable the Zayner myostatin gene, involved in the regulation of muscle growth before and after birth. Disabling the gene could leave him with muscular muscle growth.

But Zayner admitted – and outside experts agreed – that the experiment was unlikely. It is not known whether the genetic material has entered Zayner's cells and, if so, how much and for what effect. Most research on myostatin has been done on animals.

In an interview with Buzzfeed just after the October 2017 muscle-mounting stunt, Zayner said, "I want to live in a world where people get drunk and instead of being tattooed, they say to themselves," I I'm drunk, I'm going to CRISPR myself. "

But in February 2018, he adopted a sober attitude. Other biohackers have begun performing similar stunts and Zayner has expressed regret. "Honestly, I'm blaming myself a bit," he told The Atlantic. "There is no doubt in my mind that someone will end up being hurt," he said. Nevertheless, Zayner continued to sell his DIY genetic kits.

The biohacking community, however, was not the only one to take note of Zayner's antics. A few weeks after its CRISPR injection, the Food and Drug Administration intervened, calling out the illegal genetic verification kits. (Zayner also had a problem with the FDA in 2016 for selling kits for the manufacture of bright alcoholic beverages). In an advisory regarding human gene modification kits, the FDA wrote:

The FDA is aware that gene therapy products intended to be self-administered and self-made kits for self-administration gene therapy are available to the public. The sale of these products is illegal. The FDA is concerned about the security risks involved.

At present, the authorities of the state of California, where Zayner resides, have also become acquainted. According to a Zayner letter posted on his Instagram account on May 8, 2019, health investigators from the Department of Consumer Affairs are responding to a complaint alleging that Zayner practices unlicensed medicine. The investigators are "at the stage of our examination where we would like to discuss this issue with you," reads. They asked for an interview and noted "We will discuss your business".

On the social media site, Zayner responded that the survey stemmed from his "genetic self-experimentation" and "showing people how to access publicly available knowledge". He continued:

The truth is that I have never given injection or use to anyone, ever sold any material intended to treat a disease, and never claimed to provide any treatments or cures because I knew that day would come.

The problem is that so many people are dying, not because of me, but because the FDA and the government are refusing to allow them access to advanced treatment or even, in some cases, to basic health. Yet I am the one who is threatened with prison.

Practicing unlicensed medicine in California can be tried either as a crime or as a crime, with fines of up to $ 10,000 and three years in prison.

Zayner concluded on Twitter: "Yes, I have to find a lawyer"He did not immediately respond to Ars's comment request.