Gene-editing ‘is continuing’

– A Chinese scientist at the centre of an ethical storm over what he claims are the world’s first genetically edited babies said yesterday he was proud of his work and revealed that another volunteer is pregnant as part of the research.

He Jiankui, an associate professor at Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen, China, added: “This study has been submitted to a scientific journal for review.”

He did not name the journal and said his university was unaware of his study. He, who said his work was self-funded, shrugged off concerns that the research was conducted in secrecy, saying that he had engaged the scientific community over the past three years.

In videos posted online, He said he used a gene-editing technology known as CRISPR-Cas9 to alter the embryonic genes of twin girls born this month. He said gene editing would help protect the girls from infection with HIV.

CRISPR-Cas9 is a technology that allows scientists to essentially cut and paste DNA, raising hope of genetic fixes for disease. However, there are concerns about safety and ethics.

Scientists and the government denounced He and a hospital linked to the research.

– Reuters

Hong Kong