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. Information gathered by The Wall Street Journal shows one such trial has lost touch with patients whose DNA was altered, alarming some Western scientists who say subjects should be monitored for many years. In...
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.