Genetic Engineering has been available in the Federation since at least the late 20th century of Earth. Genetic manipulation in the mid 21st century was the direct cause of the Eugenics Wars. Genetically altered super-anthroids, most notably the one known as Khan Noonien Sing, became cruel tyrants, killing thousands of normal anthroids. These wars, along with the still-unpredictable nature of genetic engineering, led to the banning of all forms of Anthroid genetic engineering within the Federation. These laws, still extant in the 24th century, go so far as to exclude genetically engineered individuals from serving in Starfleet.

In the Empire, the situation is drastically different. The planet of Kamino has long been known for its genetic engineers. Using the DNA of bounty hunter Jango Fett, the Kaminoans created a genetically engineered army for the Republic. This army later became the core of the Emperor's Storm Troopers.