Chinese university investigating 6-year-old’s death in gene-editing trial

Shanghai Jiao Tong University has launched a comprehensive investigation into allegations that a gene-editing trial resulted in the death of a six-year-old girl. The university stated it "attaches great importance to the matter and has set up a special working group" to examine the incident.

The girl, referred to by the pseudonym "Mei," reportedly died last year approximately one week after receiving an experimental spinal infusion of trillions of viruses. This therapy was designed to penetrate the brain and treat a rare genetic condition causing cognitive development delays. The experimental treatment cost Mei's parents over US$800,000.

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The School of Medicine has always attached great importance to scientific research integrity and research norms, and firmly opposes conducting medical scientific research in violation of scientific research ethics.

Concerns have been amplified because the lead researcher, neuroscientist Zilong Qiu, published a paper on related animal studies in the journal Nature without disclosing Mei's death. The university's School of Medicine emphasized its commitment to "scientific research integrity and research norms" and stated that "serious action" would be taken based on the investigation's findings.

This undisclosed death casts a shadow over China's biotechnology ambitions, particularly following the 2018 scandal involving He Jiankui, who created gene-edited babies. The report by Science and Retraction Watch also indicated that Mei's parents were not adequately informed about the risks associated with the experimental therapy.

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serious action would be taken in accordance with the investigation’s findings.