Embryo genome editing research likely to get nod

The government is expected to lift a ban on basic research on genome editing of human embryos.

The Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry and the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry will present guidelines for the research at a meeting of an expert panel to be held Friday.

The ban will be lifted only on basic research that will improve assisted reproductive treatments and only the use of embryos that remain from fertility treatment would be permitted.

The return of genetically modified fertilized eggs to either human or animal wombs would not be allowed.

The science and health ministries are to seek opinions from the general public, aiming for enforcement of the guidelines by April next year.

Research on genome editing of human embryos is expected to enhance assisted reproductive treatment, as well as treatments for genetic and incurable diseases. China and the United States have already begun such studies.

However, Japan has no regulation on genome editing.

The Council for Science, Technology and Innovation compiled a report in March, calling on the government to establish research guidelines.

Research aimed at the treatment of genetic disease, cancers and other conditions will also be discussed by the panel of experts.

Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/