Researchers used de novo AI protein design to create novel anti‑CRISPR inhibitors (AIcrs) that block Cas13a activity, demonstrating functional inhibition in bacterial and human cells within an eight‑week design‑to‑lead timeline. Parallel reporting describes broader efforts by Melbourne and Monash teams to deploy AI methods to control CRISPR safety and reduce off‑target risks. The work delivers proof that generative protein models can rapidly produce regulatory proteins for gene‑editing tools, potentially enabling safer therapeutic editing by introducing designed off‑switches. Developers of CRISPR therapeutics and regulators will need to assess these AI‑designed inhibitors for immunogenicity, specificity and manufacturing feasibility.