For scientific purposes only
In Japan, it was forbidden to create genetically edited children
Sergey Kolenov, Hi-tech+
The birth of the world's first children with an edited genome was supposed to be a triumph of science, but in reality it led to tighter control over technology. Gene editing of human embryos was temporarily banned in China, and now the restrictive measures are ready to join and Japan.
In early October, the Japanese Ministries of Science and Health presented recommendations allowing free gene editing of human embryos. At the same time, it was not recommended to use them for reproductive purposes.
However, the scandal with the birth of the first genetically edited children in China forced officials to clarify their position, according to the Nikkei Asian Review (Japan allows gene editing for research only). The other day they published draft guidelines governing the field of human gene editing.
Editing fertilized human eggs is allowed only for scientific purposes. It is forbidden to save edited embryos for more than 14 days and bring the case to the birth of children.
In addition, scientists will have to give donors clear explanations about the goals and principles of the study. The verification of research projects will be carried out in two stages: in university bioethical commissions and at the government level.
The purpose of the new rules, which are due to come into force in April 2019, is to prevent the appearance of Japanese followers of the author of the first operation that led to the birth of genetically edited babies, He Jiankui. However, they do not impose any penalties for violators, except for the "publication of names and censure." In addition, Japanese rules do not apply to doctors in private clinics.
He Jiankui himself, whose activities have been so hotly discussed for the second week, suddenly disappeared. Journalists assume that he was arrested in connection with the investigation of the authorities, but there is no exact information.
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