(MENAFN) A US-based startup, supported by Silicon Valley billionaires, has been discreetly developing an embryo-editing initiative that may pave the way for the creation of a “genetically engineered baby,” one potentially free from inherited disorders and possessing enhanced intelligence, according to a media outlet.

While gene-editing methods are currently applied in postnatal medical treatments, the alteration of genes within embryos—aimed at producing genetically modified children—remains prohibited in the United States and in numerous other nations.

As reported on Saturday, a San Francisco startup named Preventive “has been quietly preparing what would amount to a biological first.”

Established earlier this year by gene-editing researcher Lucas Harrington, the enterprise reportedly enjoys financial backing from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Coinbase co-founder Brian Armstrong.

Preventive asserts that its mission is to “end hereditary disease by editing human embryos before birth,” a declaration that has sparked intense controversy surrounding morality, safety, and the fear of “designer babies.”

Based on communications examined by the media outlet, the company has been investigating jurisdictions where embryo modification is legally permitted in order to carry out its experiments.

Following inquiries from the media outlet, Preventive—after keeping its intentions under wraps for half a year—revealed that it had secured $30 million in funding to advance its embryo-editing research.

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