Controversial Scientist Plans Gene-Editing Trials to Combat Alzheimer’s in South Africa
Staff Editor Controversial Scientist Plans New Gene-Editing Trials for Alzheimer’s Prevention
He Jiankui, the Chinese scientist infamous for creating the world’s first gene-edited babies, is reportedly planning new human trials aimed at preventing Alzheimer’s disease through genetic encoding. This development comes years after He’s controversial experiments that resulted in the birth of HIV-resistant “designer babies.”
Sources indicate that He is eyeing South Africa as a potential location for these trials, citing the country’s perceived openness to genetic editing. However, preliminary research on mice and monkeys is expected to be conducted in the United States through Chinese colleagues, as He himself is unable to travel due to passport restrictions following his imprisonment for scientific misconduct.
The specifics of He’s research plans remain unclear, with no detailed information available on how he intends to restart his work. He currently lacks affiliations with academic institutions, and his financial backers remain unidentified. Attempts to locate potential collaborators in the U.S. have proven challenging, and South Africa’s health department has not responded to inquiries regarding their potential involvement.
He’s reputation as “China’s Frankenstein” continues to cast a shadow over his work, potentially deterring financial backers and collaborators. Despite this, He maintains an active social media presence, regularly posting images of his lab and making cryptic statements about his research.
The scientist claims that ethical considerations are hindering scientific progress, a stance that has drawn criticism from the scientific community. He cites a personal connection to Alzheimer’s research, revealing that his mother suffers from the condition. His goal is to mimic a protective genetic mutation found in Icelanders to potentially prevent the disease.
This new research direction represents a shift from He’s previous embryo experiments to what he considers potentially less ethically contentious work. However, concerns remain about the health status of the children born from his previous gene-editing experiments, which remains unknown. He has stated he would only apologize if health issues arise in these children.
As He Jiankui attempts to re-enter the field of genetic research, his plans raise new questions about the ethics and regulation of gene-editing technologies. The scientific community and regulatory bodies will be closely watching these developments as they unfold.
