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Wed 28 Nov 2018 – 5:50
Shanghai
More than 100 scientists, most of them in China, have been labeled "crazy" and tampered with human genes after a geneticist claimed to have changed the binocular genes to create the first genetically modified babies.
In an open letter circulating online, scientists said that the use of CRISPR-Cas9 technology to alter human embryo genes was risky, unjustified and harmed the reputation and development of the biomedical community in China.
In videos published online, scientist He Jiankui defended what he claimed to have accomplished, claiming that he had done embryonic gene editing to protect babies born this month from HIV infection, the virus that causes AIDS.
"The biomedical evaluation of this so-called research only exists in name. The conduct of direct human experiences can only be described as crazy," said the scientists in a letter, which the newspaper published a copy.
"The Pandora's Box has been opened, we may still have a glimmer of hope to close it before it's too late," said about 120 scientists in a Chinese-language letter.
Yang Zhengang, a professor at Fudan University, said he signed the letter because the modification of the gene was "very dangerous".
Dr. He, who is scheduled to speak at a summit on human genome editing at the University of Hong Kong on Wednesday, has not responded to a request for comment. The University of Southern Science and Technology, where Dr. He is an associate professor, said that she was not aware of the research project and that Dr. He was on a leave of absence. paid since February.
The National Health Commission of China said Monday that she was "very concerned" and ordered provincial health officials "to immediately investigate the case and clarify the situation".
The government's medical ethics committee in Shenzhen, southern China, said it was investigating the case, as was the health commission of Guangdong Province, according to the Southern Metropolis Daily, a state media.
CRISPR-Cas9 is a technology that allows scientists to cut and paste DNA essentially, which gives hope for genetic solutions to the disease. However, his security and ethics are also of concern. REUTERS
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