The Business Press – July 04, 2023 at 04:00PM
In 2018, Chinese scientist He Jiankui shocked the global community with his announcement of altering babies’ genes to make them resistant to HIV. Now, after serving a prison sentence for his controversial experiment, He has resurfaced with a new proposal.
This time, he aims to explore whether a specific genetic mutation could offer protection against Alzheimer’s disease, the leading cause of dementia worldwide.
He Jiankui plans to conduct his study by testing the effects of a genetic mutation known to reduce the formation of brain plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Unlike his previous experiment, this study will not involve the implantation of embryos or result in the birth of babies.
Instead, He intends to begin with a trial on mice before progressing to human subjects. However, governmental and ethical approvals are necessary before any further steps can be taken.
He Jiankui gained worldwide condemnation for his previous experiment, which involved the unauthorized gene editing of embryos. The long-term consequences of such technology remain poorly understood, resulting in tight regulations across most countries, including China.
The irresponsible nature of his previous work underscored the need for stricter controls on clinical trials involving gene-editing and experimental life science technologies.
In contrast to his earlier use of CRISPR gene editing, He Jiankui emphasizes that his latest proposal will employ base editing—a potentially safer technique. He acknowledges the risks associated with CRISPR and aims to explore alternative methods to mitigate potential adverse effects on genetic material and human embryos.
Alzheimer’s disease, a complex neurodegenerative disorder, remains without a cure. Despite substantial investments by drugmakers worldwide, conventional treatments have not achieved significant breakthroughs.
The exploration of genetic prevention offers a promising avenue for research, potentially revolutionizing the approach to combating this devastating disease.
He Jiankui’s renewed focus on genetic prevention by investigating specific mutations associated with Alzheimer’s disease highlights the ongoing quest for innovative solutions to tackle this significant health issue.
As the scientific community grapples with ethical dilemmas and regulatory frameworks, this latest proposal prompts the wider public to consider the potential future impact of genetic prevention and the importance of rigorous research.
The Business Press 