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Chinese scientist He Jiankui on Wednesday defended the effectiveness of his experiment, which claims to have created, by genetic modification, the first babies resistant to certain diseases, including AIDS.
During an intervention at the second lecture on human genome editing at the University of Hong Kong, I added that this would temporarily halt studies, taking into account the repudiation generated at the international level.
"Clinical trials have been interrupted because of what has happened.For the specific case (of babies, two girls), I am proud, in fact, I am extremely proud," said L & # 39; expert, adding that the details of his work had been placed in the hands of his peers.
"The study yielded effective results and was subject to criticism from the scientific community," said He, who acknowledged that his experience had not been endorsed by any official institution.
In addition, he argued that his research did not seek to "eliminate genetic diseases", but "to give girls the natural ability to resist future HIV infection".
He is an associate professor at SUSTech (University of Southern Science and Technology) in Shenzhen, China, but this institution has moved away from the researcher, while the Chinese government has opened an investigation into it.
The Chinese Society of Cell Biology has condemned any application of gene editing on human embryos for reproductive purposes and has stated that this violates Chinese law and medical ethics.
More than 100 scientists, mainly in China, said in an open letter Tuesday that the use of CRISPR-Cas9 technology to alter human embryo genes was dangerous and unjustified. "Pandora's box has been opened."
CRISPR-Cas9 allows scientists to cut and paste DNA. It is therefore a technology that increases the hope of finding genetic solutions to fight against diseases. However, its use raises concerns about safety and ethics.
In the videos posted on the internet this week, he mentioned using a gene-modification technology called CRISPR-Cas9 to alter the embryonic genes of twins born this month.
He revealed that the twins, known as "Lulu" and "Nana", "were born normal and healthy," adding that he was expected to monitor the twins in the next 18 years.
He explained that eight couples, composed of HIV-positive parents and HIV-negative mothers, had voluntarily enrolled for the experiment; a couple later abandoned.
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