BEIJING — China has unveiled draft regulations on gene editing and other potentially risky biomedical technologies after a Chinese scientist’s claim of helping to create gene-edited babies roiled the global science community.
Under the proposed measures, technology involving gene editing, gene transfer, and gene regulation would be categorized as “high-risk” and managed by the health department of the State Council, China’s Cabinet.
The measures follow assertions in November from scientist He Jiankui that he altered the DNA of twin girls born that month using a powerful new tool. The technology, called CRISPR-Cas9, makes it possible to operate on DNA to supply a needed gene or disable one that’s causing problems.
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