After Prison for Genetically Editing Babies, Controversial Chinese Scientist Wants to Continue Human Gene Editing Experiments

He Jiankui announced in Hong Kong in November 2018 that he had edited human embryo genes to make them resistant to HIV infection. Sung Pi-Lung/The Epoch Times

Four years ago, Chinese scientist He Jiankui stunned the global scientific community when he created at least three genetically modified babies by inserting genetically modified human embryos into human wombs, becoming the first known person to manipulate the human gene pool. Under international pressure, he was sentenced to three years in prison in China in 2019 for illegal medical practices. However, he recently announced that he will continue his research into human gene editing.

In June, Mr. He revealed a research proposal involving genetically editing mouse embryos and human fertilized eggs to test whether the mutations can prevent the future development of Alzheimer’s disease. This time, he claimed that he would not implant genetically edited embryos into human wombs.

Secret Creation of Genetically Modified Babies

On Nov. 28, 2018, without publishing any prior peer-reviewed research, Mr. He announced at the Second International Summit on Human Genome Editing in Hong Kong that two babies whose genes he had modified were born. Using the CRISPR/Cas9 technology, he attempted to block the entry of HIV into cells by deleting the CCR5 gene, thus making the babies immune to HIV.