Chinese university investigating girl's death in gene-editing trial

Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine is investigating allegations that an experimental gene-editing trial resulted in the death of a six-year-old girl, a fatality that was not disclosed in the published research. The girl, given the pseudonym "Mei," reportedly died last year approximately one week after receiving a spinal infusion of trillions of viruses intended to penetrate the brain for treatment.

The experimental therapy aimed to correct a rare genetic condition causing delayed cognitive development. According to a joint investigation by Science and Retraction Watch, lead researcher Zilong Qiu subsequently published a paper on related animal studies in the journal Nature, which made no mention of Mei's death. The university stated it "attaches great importance to the matter" and has formed a special working group to conduct a comprehensive investigation.

“

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.

The School of Medicine emphasized its commitment to scientific research integrity and ethical research practices, firmly opposing any violations. It vowed to take "serious action" based on the investigation's findings. The report also indicated that Mei's parents, who funded the experiment with over $800,000, were not adequately informed of the risks involved.

Qiu's research sought to offer the world's first gene-editing therapy targeting the brain, aiming to rewrite a mutated gene in the girl's neurons to enable the production of a vital protein. The previously undisclosed death casts a shadow over China's biotechnology ambitions, particularly following the 2018 scandal involving gene-edited babies.

“

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.