The "father" of genetically modified babies defends their experience

Chinese scientist He Jiankui, who claims to have created the first genetically modified babies in the world, defends his research. Without giving further details, he indicates that he financed the experiment, which "was not carried out in secret", and that he informed several researchers from China and the West, without mentioning any names.

Their babies, two twins born using the CRISPR / Cas9 technique, are resistant to the AIDS virus.

"These people need help, we should be compbadionate to the millions of families affected by this disease, whether it's hereditary or infectious diseases, and if we had the technology. that we could anticipate, we could help more people than we have helped ", Commented Jiankui from Hong Kong where he participated in a conference on the human genome.

Jiankui also said that there was at least one other pregnancy "in its early phase" and other more "possible" after recognizing that she had experienced seven couples.

His announcement provoked a great controversy not only within the scientific community but also in the public opinion. These genetic modifications have the potential to eradicate diseases, but there are fears of using them to create "babies on demand".

Professor of Reproductive Sciences, Human Genetics and Embryology, Joyce Harper, Institute of Women's Health, University College London is one of the most recognized experts in the field. "The most disturbing are the so-called" off-target effects "of other parts of the genome that have been affected, and we do not really know what this may mean for the future person, so we are not scientifically prepared. or ethically, open a social debate to decide if this truly extraordinary method is what society wants to create their future children ", Harper said in statements to euronews.

Chinese authorities have ordered an investigation. While other scientists claim that these experiences will continue.

"Everyone is very aggressive in looking for, obtaining benefits, accomplishing achievements, I would say that this type of experiences can happen again if we combine them with d & # 's; 39, other various factorssaid badistant professor of biology at New York University in Shanghai, Fang Gang.

The technique used has not been independently verified and some scientists are hesitant. However, there is no doubt that the debate on this controversial area of ​​human genetics has been reopened.