Mar 9, 2023 03:25 AM
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-64857311
INTRO: New rules in China to regulate gene editing in humans don't go far enough, a leading expert has warned scientists.
Dr Joy Zhang of Kent University, a global expert on the governance of gene editing in China, said authorities are susceptible to "regulatory negligence".
The regulations were updated following an outcry five years ago when a Chinese scientist said he had created the world's first gene-edited babies.
China says the new laws are in line with international rules. They set requirements for ethical approval, supervision and inspection, but experts worry that they may not apply to the private sector.
Dr Zhang, one of the main speakers at an international human genome-editing summit in London, told BBC News: "My biggest concern is that the new measures fail to cover a chronic and increasing problem in trying to deal with private ventures that are taking place outside of conventional scientific institutes.
"The new rules may struggle to keep up with the burgeoning innovation that is happening in China.''
Gene editing is a new technique that enables scientists to make precise changes to DNA. Scientists believe it could be used to correct many inherited diseases.
It is controversial, though, because it raises the possibility of making permanent changes to a person's genetic make-up that will be passed down to their offspring... (MORE - details)
INTRO: New rules in China to regulate gene editing in humans don't go far enough, a leading expert has warned scientists.
Dr Joy Zhang of Kent University, a global expert on the governance of gene editing in China, said authorities are susceptible to "regulatory negligence".
The regulations were updated following an outcry five years ago when a Chinese scientist said he had created the world's first gene-edited babies.
China says the new laws are in line with international rules. They set requirements for ethical approval, supervision and inspection, but experts worry that they may not apply to the private sector.
Dr Zhang, one of the main speakers at an international human genome-editing summit in London, told BBC News: "My biggest concern is that the new measures fail to cover a chronic and increasing problem in trying to deal with private ventures that are taking place outside of conventional scientific institutes.
"The new rules may struggle to keep up with the burgeoning innovation that is happening in China.''
Gene editing is a new technique that enables scientists to make precise changes to DNA. Scientists believe it could be used to correct many inherited diseases.
It is controversial, though, because it raises the possibility of making permanent changes to a person's genetic make-up that will be passed down to their offspring... (MORE - details)