In November 2018, Chinese scientist He Jiankui sent shockwaves throughout the scientific community when he announced that he had used the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology to create the world’s first genetically edited babies. The backlash against He was immediate and severe, with members of the scientific community condemning his experiments as unethical and expressing concerns over the babies’ health. The Chinese government swiftly suspended He’s research and arrested him, charging him with multiple crimes, including practicing medicine without a license.
In December 2019, a Chinese court found He guilty of illegal medical practices and sentenced him to three years in prison. In the wake of He’s actions, China has since adopted regulations prohibiting the modification of human embryos for reproductive purposes. He was released from prison in April 2021.
Jiankui’s Return
Now, it appears that He is planning to make a comeback in the field of gene therapy. He has recently announced that he has started a new, independent lab in Beijing, where he plans to pursue gene therapy and gene editing. He states that his goal is to help families with rare diseases, and the first disease he wants to tackle is Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a rare and devastating genetic disorder. He has stated that he wants to make gene therapy more affordable and that the therapies developed by his lab will be offered by a not-for-profit organization.
People’s Concerns
However, He’s return to science has raised many questions and concerns. Some scientists and ethicists believe that He should be given a chance to prove that he is capable of producing scientifically valid and ethically sound work. They argue that his case is publicly known enough that the world will judge his credibility, and that anything he says will be treated with considerable skepticism.
Others, however, have serious concerns about He’s plans and his past actions. Some argue that He should not be allowed anywhere near any sort of clinical trial or in a context in which therapies are being developed, given his history of misconduct and disregard for ethical guidelines. They also question the funding and support behind He’s new lab, and whether he has faced any challenges in raising money.
The case of He Jiankui highlights the need for greater oversight and regulations in the field of gene editing and gene therapy. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of rushing to make scientific breakthroughs without proper ethical considerations. As we continue to make advancements in this field, it is crucial that we take a responsible and cautious approach, and ensure that the safety and well-being of human subjects is always at the forefront of our research.
It’s also important to consider the consequences of the scientific community accepting He back into their fold after his previous actions, as it could be interpreted as a sign that his actions were not fully condemned. The scientific community should be careful in assessing He’s future work and should not let past actions be forgotten.
So, What’s Going On?
The case of He Jiankui and his recent announcement of his new lab raise important ethical and moral questions that must be considered in the field of gene therapy and gene editing. He’s actions in the past have been widely condemned by the scientific community and the government, and his return to the field of gene therapy and gene editing should be taken with a healthy dose of skepticism. However, it is important to acknowledge that He’s stated goal of helping families with rare diseases is commendable, and it is crucial that we continue to find ways to alleviate the suffering of those affected by genetic disorders.
But as we assess He’s work, it is vital that we ensure that the safety and well-being of human subjects is always at the forefront of his research. The scientific community has a responsibility to critically evaluate He’s work, and to ensure that proper ethical guidelines are followed. The lessons we learn from the He Jiankui case can help us to build a more responsible and ethical approach to gene therapy and gene editing, and to make sure that the same mistakes are not repeated.