On November 26, a Chinese researcher announced that he had modified the DNA of twins to make them resistant to HIV, even though the father was carrying the virus. A world first, very badly received in the scientific community which also denounced an experiment on human beings not defensible. A week later, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced this Monday, December 4 that a group of studies on genetic manipulation was going to be set up.
The objective: take into account the consequences
In front of the press in Geneva, the director general of the organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus did not present this decision as a direct response to the Chinese experiment. However, he clarified that such manipulation “Cannot take place without clear guidelines”, he commented, taken back by South West. Currently being established, the study group will be composed of academics, WHO experts and government medical specialists.
“WHO brings together experts and we work with Member States […] to discuss criteria and guidelines that can address ethical and safety issues within the company, developed Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. We have to be very, very careful. […] We must not engage in genetic manipulation without considering the unintended consequences. “ Because according to the director, it is not conceivable that certain manipulations of genes could present benefits in terms of public health in the future. The study group has before it to begin with a ” White paper “, he clarified.
“GMO babies”
After Chinese researcher He Jiankui announced on his YouTube channel, Chinese scientists strongly denounced a “Madness”, as well as’“A big blow to the global reputation and to the development of biomedical research in China”. Critics approved by the world scientific community, which speaks of “GMO babies”. But also by the authorities in Beijing, who demanded the immediate suspension of this research. “We urge the organization concerned to suspend the scientific activities of those involved”Vice Minister of Science and Technology Xu Nanping said on state television.
Read also :
- Chinese researchers genetically manipulate embryos
- Modifying DNA: a possible reality, for better … and for worse?
