Yesterday on the Associated Press, a Chinese scientist announced that he had created gene-edited twin girls using the CRISPR technique.
He Jiankui, an associate professor of genetics at China’s South China University of Science and Technology, who led the study said it was successful.
Therefore, today, more than 100 Chinese scientists signed a letter condemning this human gene editing experiment.
Below is the content of the letter:
Regarding the recent news in domestic and foreign media, about the genetic editing of human embryos and the two children who were born using CRISPR technology, using human reason, with the
Bioethical approval for this so-called `research` is not enough.
Scientifically, those things are completely possible, but scientists and medical experts have chosen not to use [gene editing] technology on humans because of the uncertainties, risks and important
Irreversible edits to human genes will inevitably enter the human gene pool.
We cannot rule out the possibility that babies born using this technology may be healthy for a period of time.
At the same time, this is also a slap to China’s reputation and scientific development, especially in biomedical research.
We call on relevant regulatory agencies and affiliated research institutes to establish laws and regulations on [gene editing] and conduct a comprehensive investigation.
Pandora’s box has been opened.
Refer to Qz
