The latest case of genome editing constitutes a reckless act that has neglected bioethics and safety.
He Jiankui, a doctor at the Southern University of Science and Technology in China, and other researchers have created a pair of twins by applying genome-editing technology, which makes it possible to efficiently alter genes, to a fertilized egg. An investigative team from Guangdong Province, home to the university, has reached this conclusion.
The team has denounced He and the other scientists, calling their conduct a "blatant violation" of Chinese regulations. It said a public safety organization will take stern action to handle the matter in the future.
There is no justifying the latest genome-editing procedure in any respect. The case is so serious that even China, a nation that is almost coercive in its promotion of such medical treatment as genetic engineering and organ transplants, must respond severely.
First of all, the necessity of using genome-editing technology in this situation cannot be seen. The scientists genetically modified genes in an egg from the womb of a woman fertilized by a sperm from her HIV-infected husband to prevent HIV infection. Then the egg was returned to her womb. However, it is possible to adequately prevent such an infection through medication or other means.
The safety of the genome-editing method has not been guaranteed, either. There are concerns that the method could cause a different form of modification separate from the initial purpose. Although genes may be altered as intended, the possibility of adverse hereditary effects cannot be ruled out, as genetic functions are complicated. This impact could be passed on to offspring.
Aside from the newborn twins, another woman is said to be pregnant with a similar baby now. The authorities in Guangdong Province intend to continue observing developments in their conditions. Delicate care is required in this respect.
Protect important research
In China, too, procedures have been laid down for conducting reviews aimed at investigating bioethical problems. By forging documents and through other means, He and the others reportedly pretended to have undergone the review process. Their behavior is extremely wrong.
The investigative group said the motive for their conduct was to "seek personal fame and profit." He has in fact set up several life science-related ventures. A U.S. university where he obtained a doctorate is investigating possible involvement in his activities by researchers from the university.
The latest probe is an early stage of investigations into the matter. An even more detailed inspection is crucial.
There is growing anxiety among specialists, who feel the latest case could arouse doubts about the legitimacy of cancer treatment and such basic research as efforts to discover causes of infertility. There is also concern that the latest case could lead to the birth of a "designer baby" given abilities in accordance with the wish of the parents.
It is essential to avert a situation in which promising technology is prohibited as a result of reckless research.
Many countries regulate conduct similar to that seen in the latest incident through laws and other means. In Japan, too, returning a genome-edited fertilized egg to the womb will be banned under guidelines starting in April.
The question is whether all these measures can prevent a repeat of conduct similar to the latest case. Won't there be cases in which the latest unbridled action gives rise to the unwanted application of genome-editing?
This year, the World Health Organization will start examining risks and ethical issues involved in genome-editing technology, as well as how to regulate such methods. Japan should be actively involved in that study and strive for the appropriate development of the technology.
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 27, 2019
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