Scientist who claimed to create gene-modified CRISPR babies at the study

The Chinese researcher who described the first use of CRISPR to genetically modify human embryos is currently being investigated by his university and a local committee of medical ethics.

On Sunday, Jiankui He claimed to have successfully edited the binoculars genes, posting a statement recorded on YouTube about the breakthrough. He added that the twin girls, "Lulu and Nana", were born healthy after the genetic modification of their embryos to make them more resistant to HIV infection. The research was first detailed by the MIT Technology Review.

The media prompted the South African University of Science and Technology of Shenzhen, where it is currently on leave without pay, to issue a statement on Monday in which it explained that the organization was "deeply shocked" and tried to establish a communication with He to clarify the scope of his research. The university condemned his work, saying that he "seriously violated academic ethics and codes of conduct" and that the university was "unaware of the project and of its nature ". He called "international experts to form an independent committee" to discuss the issue.

He did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A follow-up report from the MIT Technology Review noted that the Shenzhen City Medical Experts Committee of Ethics would also investigate He research. The former medical director of the hospital where he conducted his trial stated that he had no recollection of having given the go-ahead to carrying out his clinical trial.

"Experiences like this run the risk of driving the whole field back.Science operates under social license – scientists work within limits defined by wider community concerns," said Darren Saunders, associate professor at the Faculty of Medicine of University of New South Wales, in a statement sent by email. "Ignoring these limits may result in a justified backlash and fear that can delay the battlefield for many decades."

The study sparked skepticism around the world. Leading CRISPR researchers, such as Feng Zhang, are worried about Il's lack of transparency. At the time of writing these lines, his work has not been published nor subjected to independent peer review and the claims are unsupported.

But greater ethical and moral questions are now being asked – some view his work as irresponsible and potentially illegal, as he may not have obtained the required approvals.

"Whether the results stand up to scrutiny or not, we as a society need to think quickly and quickly when and where we are willing to take the risks associated with any new therapeutic treatment, especially those that could affect future generations, "said Yalda Jamshidi, Senior Professor in Human Genetics at St. George's University of London.

The second international summit on human genome editing begins in Hong Kong on Tuesday, Nov. 27, and it is expected to participate in the event.

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