Biotech firm that aims to bring back extinct animals raises another $200m
A biotechnology start-up working to bring back animals from extinction has raised $200m (€194m) at a valuation of $10.2bn, more than six times its valuation just two years ago.
Colossal Biosciences is using DNA and genomics to try to resurrect the dodo, Tasmanian tiger and the woolly mammoth. Co-founder and chief executive officer Ben Lamm says the company is on track to produce a woolly mammoth calf born to a surrogate elephant mother by late 2028.
The Dallas-based firm said it raised the new funding round from one investor, TWG Global, bringing its total cash raised to $435m.
“We’re not going to do anything until we get the genomes right,” said Mr Lamm, adding that the company was in the project’s cell-editing phase, meaning it has identified target genes to work on. Colossal is attempting to create the calf by editing mammoth genes, obtained from ancient samples found in frozen tundra, into genes in Asian elephant cells.
Outside of the obvious allure of a Jurassic Park-style scientific feat, the company’s de-extinction efforts aim to expand biodiversity, help restore balance in ecosystems and benefit other animals.
But many scientists are sceptical of the efforts, questioning their validity and whether re-introduced animals could survive today – particularly given the changed climate, reduced habitat and greater numbers of invasive species. The woolly mammoth mostly became extinct 10,000 years ago, although some populations survived until 4,000 years ago.
Because of Colossal’s use of Asian elephant cells, Karl Flessa, a paleontologist at the University of Arizona, questions whether the result will truly be a woolly mammoth. He also takes issue with releasing such an animal into a woolly mammoth’s natural habitat of Arctic tundra, which is shrinking.
“It’s better to prevent extinctions in the first place, rather than bring back bio-replicas whose ‘reintroduction’ may have a host of unintended consequences,” he said.
Colossal says that the animal will be closely monitored and live inside an expansive bio-secure preserve. The start-up also points to the reintroduction of the wolf to Yellowstone National Park as a success story.
Reporting on:independent.ie