Designer (GMO) babies in China via CRISPR.

Genetic modification technology is a promising technology offering solutions to many pathologies. These can be acquired or hereditary. This same technology is also a Pandora's box of ethical problems. Until recently this was theoretical concern and it was expected we would be waiting years for this fears to approach reality.

As usual China has exceeded expectations. A researcher has made dramatic claims via YouTube videos linked in the video that he modified the genes of 11 embryos implanted into mothers. In the last few weeks two of these have been born. They are healthy young female girls.

Supposedly the scientist used CRISPR to change a gene associated with HIV invasion. By removing this means of entry the risk to the children of HIV infection is reduced. A considered risk as each of the children had a father with HIV.

If this was done through correct channels this would be a problem for clinically relevant t reasons. The uncertainty of treatment. Lack of trial data. Safety concerns. The list of clinically significant problems goes on.

Unfortunately this occasion is even more of an issue. The usual barrier to entry involves an ethics review. There are claims that was not observed in this case. The university did not approve the trial. The university claims it facilities and staff were not officially involved beyond the researcher at the core of the debacle.

This is hard to believe. The researcher has been on voluntary leave for several years to make this happen. His going and coming from his place of work would be of some interest to people.

Finally the entire process is reminiscent of barbaric practices seen from the early twentieth century onward. Practices considered extreme even at the time. Whilst the goals are laudable this lack of due process is not.

Relevant links:

MIT review
https://www.technologyreview.com/s/612466/the-chinese-scientist-who-claims-he-made-crispr-babies-has-been-suspended-without-pay/

NPR
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/11/26/670752865/chinese-scientist-says-hes-first-to-genetically-edit-babies

AP news
https://www.apnews.com/4997bb7aa36c45449b488e19ac83e86d

The Washington Post
https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2018/11/26/scientists-claim-gene-edited-babies-creates-uproar/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.bc90f009e752

BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/health-46342195

Wiki: Eugenics in the USA
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugenics_in_the_United_States

SUST statement
http://sustc.edu.cn/en/info_focus/2871

2nd International Summit on Human genome editing
http://www.nationalacademies.org/gene-editing/2nd_summit/index.htm