CRISPR Baby Scandal Scientist – He Jiankui, the Chinese scientist recognized for his controversial gene-editing trials on human embryos, has revealed a fresh proposal. The plan is focused on modifying human embryos to handle issues caused by an aging population. Jiankui, who was earlier sentenced to prison for three years for announcing the birth of the first gene-edited babies, made a comeback last year and revealed his intentions to inaugurate a research lab in Beijing. Though his recent updates revolved around gene therapy for uncommon diseases, he has attracted controversy yet again by unveiling a research plan that professionals slam as eerily similar to his prior unethical and potentially hazardous endeavors, as per a CNN report.
The proposal outlines Jiankui’s plans to conduct gene-editing trials on mouse embryos and human zygotes to discern whether a particular mutation could offer protection against Alzheimer’s disease. He admits the issues brought about by an aging populace, especially in China, where the percentage of older adults is on the rise. “The aging population is of grave importance as both a socioeconomic issue and a strain on the medical system… Currently, there is no effective drug for Alzheimer’s disease,” Jiankui expressed in a document shared
on his Twitter account.
I am proposing a research project “Human embryo gene editing to protect against Alzheimer’s disease” pic.twitter.com/hCn02eNsGQ
— Jiankui He (@Jiankui_He) June 29, 2023
Significantly, the proposed experiment would make use of abnormal zygotes, which are generally considered inappropriate for implantation in women. Jiankui stresses that no human embryos would be used for pregnancy, and that the experiment would necessitate governmental permits and ethical approval, according to the CNN report.
Nevertheless, the scientific community is doubtful of Jiankui’s proposal, questioning its scientific authenticity and ethical ramifications. In response to the controversy surrounding Jiankui’s earlier research, China has enforced stricter regulations and ethical guidelines for human gene editing. He has been prohibited from participating in assisted reproductive technology services and has encountered limitations on his work involving human genetic resources. Despite these constraints, the disclosure of this new proposal concerning the gene editing of embryos has instigated apprehension and uncertainty among scientists and experts in medical ethics.
“Bluntly speaking, the whole thing is insane,” commented Peter Droge, an associate professor at the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, as reported by CNN. In addition to the ethical concerns, he branded such a move as “highly questionable”.
CRISPR Baby Scandal Scientist – Jiankui, in response to the queries, stated that he’s gathering feedback from scientists and bioethicists and hasn’t set a definitive timeline for the study. He clarified that no experiments would commence until he secures governmental permits and approval from an international ethics committee consisting of bioethicists from the USA and Europe. He emphasized this would be a preclinical study, with no embryos used for pregnancy. He pledged commitment to openness and transparency, stating that all experimental findings and advancements would be shared on Twitter.
So far, neither the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology nor the National Health Commission has provided any comments on the matter.
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- Source: https://www.biotecnika.org/2023/07/crispr-baby-scandal-scientist-is-back-with-another-proposal/
