A notable difference is that Debug is using the sterile insect technique (SIT)[1], as opposed to gene drives, which are much harder to control once released. With SIT, 1) we have a lot more experience using it for decades, and 2) it's pretty easy to simply stop releasing sterile insects if unintended consequences were found.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sterile_insect_technique

> something similar already being done to control Aedes aegypti.

Which carry: yellow fever, dengue fever, Zika fever and chikungunya.