Authorities in Shenzhen are reportedly scrutinising gene-editing trials for the first time, including those using CRISPR technology, amid mounting concerns about a lack of regulatory oversight. Chinese scientists have raced ahead in experimenting with gene-editing on humans in the last few years, using a powerful new tool called Crispr-Cas9 to edit the DNA of dozens of cancer patients. Reports of clinical studies which have not kept in touch with participants, and the death of a clinical trial patient that was not investigated have reportedly alarmed Western scientists. Beijing 's science ministry has now requested its first -ever report about a trial, run by Anhui Kedgene Biotechnology . The moves come after the claim in the last few years that a China -based scientist had used Crispr-Cas9 to create the world’s first gene-edited babies, prompting international outrage.
Authorities in Shenzhen are reportedly scrutinising gene-editing trials for the first time, including those using CRISPR technology, amid mounting concerns about a lack of regulatory oversight. Reports of clinical studies which have not kept in touch with participants, and the death of a clinical trial patient that was not investigated have reportedly alarmed Western scientists. Beijing 's science ministry has now requested its first -ever report about a trial, run by Anhui Kedgene Biotechnology . The moves come after the claim in the last few years that a China -based scientist had used Crispr-Cas9 to create the world’s first gene-edited babies, prompting international outrage.