Gene-edited baby trial in China paused

The

Chinese scientist who claims to have created the world’s first genetically-edited babies said yesterday the trial had been paused, following an international outcry over the procedure.

He Jiankui defended his work in front of a packed Hong Kong biomedical conference, saying he had successfully altered the DNA of twin girls born to an HIVpositive father.

A total of eight volunteer couples — HIV-positive fathers and HIV-negative mothers — had signed up to the trial, with one dropping out before it was halted. (AFP)