China Medical University Investigates Gene-Editing Trial Death
Summary
China Medical University is investigating the death of a 6-year-old girl during an experimental gene-editing trial at Xinhua Hospital, raising ethical concerns within the country's biomedical field.
Key Points
- A 6-year-old girl named Mei died following an experimental gene-editing treatment at Xinhua Hospital conducted by neuroscientist Qiu Zilong.
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine has formed a task force to investigate the clinical trial and related scientific publication.
- The trial involved introducing viruses carrying instructions for a base editor via spinal fluid to treat a rare genetic neurological disorder.
- Concerns are raised over omitted details in the published research regarding the girl's death and adverse effects seen in animal trials.
- The incident draws comparisons to the 2018 gene-editing baby scandal involving He Jiankui, who was imprisoned for illegal medical practice.
