Colossal Biosciences CEO Ben Lamm on De-Extinction and Moral Obligation

Colossal Biosciences and the Pursuit of De-Extinction

The Chief Executive Officer of Colossal, a company pioneering genetic editing for species revival, including the woolly mammoth, clarified at SXSW that recreating a "Jurassic Park" scenario is not within their objectives. This reassurance addressed potential concerns regarding the company’s ambitious goals.

A Moral and Ethical Imperative

Ben Lamm, Colossal’s CEO, articulated the need for a “de-extinction” toolkit, stating that current conservation efforts are proving insufficient. He emphasized a perceived moral and ethical responsibility to rectify past ecological damage caused by humanity.

Target Species and Limitations

Colossal’s current focus encompasses the revival of the dodo bird, the thylacine (Tasmanian tiger), and the woolly mammoth. However, the de-extinction of dinosaurs is deemed unfeasible due to the unavailability of viable dinosaur DNA.

Company Progress and Funding

Founded in 2023 by Lamm and George Church, Colossal aims to produce woolly mammoth hybrid calves by 2028. These animals are intended for reintroduction into their native Arctic tundra environment.

Furthermore, the company is spearheading a project to re-establish Tasmanian tiger populations in Tasmania and Australia, following a period of captive breeding.

This vision has attracted substantial investment, with Colossal currently holding a valuation of $10.2 billion and having secured hundreds of millions in venture capital.

Expanding Ventures and Economic Potential

Colossal has already established two subsidiary companies concentrating on specialized applications, with a third currently under development. Lamm anticipates significant financial returns from species “re-wilding” and carbon sequestration initiatives – potentially reaching billions of dollars.

The Woolly Mouse Project

A recent notable project involves the creation of a gene-edited “woolly mouse,” exhibiting characteristics inspired by the woolly mammoth. These mice display long, dense, and tawny-colored fur, resulting from a combination of mammoth-derived and known mouse hair-growth mutations.

Skepticism and Validation

While some experts view the woolly mouse as primarily a study in mouse genetics rather than a de-extinction breakthrough, Lamm maintains that the project successfully validated Colossal’s research concerning woolly mammoth genetic modifications.

“It showed us that, initially, our edits that we were making for the mammoth are the right edits,” Lamm explained.

The Convergence of Technologies

Lamm addressed the role of Artificial Intelligence, suggesting that the confluence of computing power, AI, and synthetic biology represents a potentially “dangerous” combination of technologies.

However, he also expressed optimism, predicting that advancements in synthetic biology will yield cures for cancer, solutions for ocean plastic pollution, and increased access to clean water.

Future Possibilities

“We will have true dominion over life,” Lamm stated, envisioning the ability to eradicate invasive species and restore extinct ones. He also foresees the engineering of plants with customized protein compositions.

Lamm further predicts that humanity will “achieve longevity escape velocity” within the next two decades, potentially extending human lifespans and approaching the possibility of immortality.

Bio Vaults and Government Collaboration

Beyond extending human life, Lamm suggests that de-extinction efforts may necessitate a large-scale initiative – akin to the Manhattan Project – to create “bio vaults” for safeguarding endangered species through the preservation of stem and egg cells. He revealed discussions with a nation showing interest in this concept, though he refrained from disclosing its identity.

Colossal maintains regular contact with U.S. government agencies, meeting “quarterly,” and has received government investment, likely in the form of grants.