Authorities in Beijing 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. The Chinese government has been criticised by some scientists who say it is too slow to approve new research into gene editing, but others argue that its approach could be an important tool in combating diseases such as The moves come after the claim in December that a Shenzhen-based scientist had used CRISPR to create the world’s first gene-edited babies, prompting international outrage.
Authorities in Beijing 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. The Chinese government has been criticised by some scientists who say it is too slow to approve new research into gene editing, but others argue that its approach could be an important tool in combating diseases such as The moves come after the claim in December that a Shenzhen-based scientist had used CRISPR to create the world’s first gene-edited babies, prompting international outrage.