China puts an end to the gene editing program by trying to create immune twins against HIV

A controversial research program in China, which has developed genetically modified twins for HIV immunity, has now stopped, four days after the news.

The Chinese government ordered the research group to stop its work, according to the Associated Press.

Chinese Vice Minister of Science and Technology Xu Nanping said the project "goes against the morality and ethics of the university community and is shocking and unacceptable." Xu also said the program was illegal.

There is no independent confirmation of the results yet. Senior researcher He Jiankui yesterday addressed an international conference on gene editing in Hong Kong. He had to talk again today but left. A spokesman sent AP a statement of his credit, which reads as follows: "I will stay in China, my home country, and will cooperate fully with any inquiries regarding my work. My raw data will be made available to third parties. "

The global response to research, which is the first case of modifying the genetics of a publicly declared human being, has been swift and severe. Many scientists have strongly criticized the news. Some wondered if the gene editing had even taken place. Both the China National Health Commission and the Shenzhen Health and Family Planning Commission have opened an investigation.

The second International Summit on the Modification of the Human Genome, where he spoke, called the clinical use of techniques "irresponsible for the moment". The group further stated that the technology "could have unintended negative effects for not only an individual but also for his descendants. "