That much is true. It is also true that the success rate of such technology in humans would likely be much higher than that for rhesus monkeys. But whatever the technological potential unleashed by ANDi, the discussion about a new species of rich people is beside the point and painfully defensive. ANDi was created, in the first instance, as proof of the principle that GM primates are possible, and that GM models of disease in primates can therefore be achieved. This is potentially an important step in understanding devastating illnesses such as Alzheimer's and AIDS, as well as many other neurodegenerative and immunological diseases.
Transgenic primates are, without doubt, the way to go.
Transgenic primates are, without doubt, the way to go Beyond the use of primates to model human diseases, however, there is the real possibility of GM-modified humans to enhance health. The complaint that this technology might also be adapted to create a better-looking or more intelligent human trivialises the intent of the work, and maligns it unnecessarily. As a recent report by the American Association for the Advancement of Science noted, our obligation to future generations should certainly encompass efforts to make life better for our children and subsequent descendants. Sadly, Schatten, ANDi's creator, is himself somewhat equivocal regarding the extension of GM to humans. Patrick Bateson, chairman of the UK Royal Society's working group on GM animals, argued that 'this sort of work must be subject to stringent monitoring of any harmful effects on the animals' welfare'.