122 scientists issued a joint statement strongly condemning "the first immune AIDS gene editor"

Medical Network November 27th, November 26, according to People's Daily, "He Jiankui, a scientist from Shenzhen, China, announced the day before the 2nd International Human Genome Editors Summit, a pair of genetic editors named Lulu and Nana. The baby was born in China in November. The genes of the twins have been modified to make them naturally resistant to AIDS after birth. This is the world's first genetically edited baby that is immune to AIDS, and it means that China is used in gene editing technology. A historic breakthrough in the field of disease prevention."

According to the application for the “Application for Examination of the Medical Ethics Committee of Shenzhen and the Women's and Women's Hospital ” published on the Internet, the trial began in March 2017. As of March 2019, the study intends to edit the embryo using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Individuals with CCR5 gene editing can be obtained by pre-implantation genetic testing and full-scale testing during pregnancy, so that the baby can acquire the ability to fight cholera, smallpox or AIDS before implanting the mother's womb.

The intellectuals Weibo released the "Joint Statement of Scientists", which expressed firm opposition and strong condemnation. The joint statement was signed by 122 scientists.

The following is the original text of the statement:

In view of the recent domestic and international media reports that Chinese "scientists" have genetically edited human embryos and have been pregnant (may have been born). As a Chinese ordinary scholar, for the most basic morality, we declare as follows:

The so-called research biomedical ethics review is in vain. Direct human experimentation can only be described as crazy. The off-target problem of CRISPR gene editing technology is not solved, and any attempt to directly perform human embryo modification and attempt to produce a baby is at great risk. This technology can be done long ago without any innovation, but biomedical scientists around the world don't do it or dare to do it because of the uncertainty of off-target, other huge risks, and more important ethics. The transformation of these uncertain heritable genetic material, once inevitably mixed into the human gene pool, will have any impact, no one can predict. It is true that the children born this time are basically healthy for a period of time, but the potential risks and harms to the human group brought about by the injustice of the procedure and the continued implementation in the future are immeasurable.

At the same time, this is a huge blow to the global reputation and development of biomedical research in China. It is extremely unfair to most scholars in China who are diligent, scientific and innovative and adhere to the bottom line of scientists.

The country must quickly legislate and strictly supervise, Pandora's Box has been opened, and we may have a chance to close it before it is irreparable.

As a biomedical researcher, I am resolutely opposed to any attempt to administer gene editing of heritable human embryos without strict ethical and safety review at this stage! ! ! Strongly condemned! ! !