China tightens rules on genetic research after rogue scientist He Jiankui’s designer baby scandal
- International organisations that collect, store or use human genetic resources for research without proper permissions will be fined up to US$722,600
- Rules also include fines for scientists or institutions that collect human genetic materials without consent or by coercing donors
China has announced regulations to curb the smuggling of human organs and tighten oversight on the use of human genetic materials in research, months after a Chinese scientist caused a global outcry by claiming that he gene-edited babies.
The announcement comes as He Jiankui’s controversial experiment continues to transfix the scientific community, with researchers saying the procedure may significantly affect life expectancy.
The high-profile scientist announced in November that the world’s first gene-edited babies – twin girls – were born that month after he altered their DNA to prevent them from contracting HIV by deleting a certain gene.
The regulations published on Monday said international organisations that collect, store or use human genetic resources to carry out scientific research without proper permissions will be fined up to five million yuan (US$722,600).
The penalty was double for foreign organisations conducting research using China’s genetic resources.
Chinese and foreign researchers will have to register the human tissues, organs and other genetic materials needed for experiments with the science and technology administration under the State Council, China’s cabinet, according to the rules that will come into effect from July 1.
