|
 The technology, called CRISPR-Cas9, allows scientists to edit
virtually any gene they target, including in human embryos, enabling
them to find and change or replace genetic defects.
Describing CRISPR as "game-changing", the Wellcome Trust global
medical charity and four other leading British research
organizations urged the scientific community to proceed
considerately, allowing time and space for ethical debate.
"This raises important ethical and regulatory questions which need
to be anticipated and explored in a timely and inclusive manner,"
they said in a joint statement.
Wellcome's senior policy adviser Katherine Littler added: "It's
essential we start these discussions early ... involving scientists,
ethicists, doctors, regulators, patients and their families and the
wider public."
Chinese biologists triggered an international furor this year when
they reported carrying out the first experiment to edit the DNA of
human embryos, drawing condemnation from critics who warn against
altering the human genome in a way that could last for generations.
The Wellcome-led joint statement noted that gene-editing science and
technology was still at a relatively early stage and potential
therapeutic applications are not yet here, but said crucial
questions should be discussed now.
"It is ... important to clearly delineate the different ways and
contexts in which this technology might be used," it said.
[to top of second column] |
This included distinguishing the use of CRISPR in research from its
potential uses in patients, as well as distinguishing its use in
non-reproductive human cells or in reproductive, or so-called germ,
cells, it said
"As genome editing technologies evolve, it's vital that the
regulatory framework remains robust and adapts so that the full
potential of genome editing can be realized in a scientifically,
ethical and legally rigorous way," said Rob Buckle of Britain's
Medical Research Council, one of the statement's signatories.
The U.S. National Academy of Sciences and its Institute of Medicine
are due to convene an international summit this year for researchers
and other experts to explore the scientific, ethical, and policy
issues associated with human gene-editing research.
(Editing by Alison Williams)
[© 2015 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2015 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
 |
