China Explicitly Bans Editing DNA of Human Reproductive Cells
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What’s new: The Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) has explicitly prohibited all clinical research into editing the DNA of human reproductive cells in an ethical guideline published this week.
“Currently, any clinical research involving germline genome editing is irresponsible and not allowed,” the document said, noting that alterations to such cells would be inheritable and therefore first require further analysis to understand any risks and potential benefits. Germline genome editing refers to altering the DNA of germ cells, fertilized eggs or embryos.
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- The Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology has banned all clinical research on editing human reproductive cell DNA, citing ethical concerns.
- Researchers must justify the use of human samples, ensure lawful sourcing, and safely dispose of leftovers in permitted genome editing research.
- The guidelines were issued by the ethics subcommittee of the National Science and Technology Ethics Commission, established post the He Jiankui DNA editing controversy.
- 2018：
- Chinese scientist He Jiankui's gene editing experiments on twin girls came to light.
- 2019：
- The National Science and Technology Ethics Commission was established.
- April 2023：
- MOST released a draft of the trial measures for Ethical Review of Science and Technology.
- 2024-07-08：
- The medical ethics subcommittee of the National Science and Technology Ethics Commission issued an ethical guideline prohibiting clinical research into editing the DNA of human reproductive cells.
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