A Chinese university is investigating an undisclosed patient death linked to an experimental brain gene-editing trial, according to a joint investigation by Science and Retraction Watch. The six-year-old girl, identified by the pseudonym Mei, died last year roughly a week after receiving a spinal infusion of trillions of viruses designed to penetrate the brain to treat a rare cognitive development disorder.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University Launches Probe Into Undisclosed Death
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine announced it has established a special working group to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident, according to an official statement. The school stated that it attaches great importance to scientific research integrity and research norms while firmly opposing medical research that violates research ethics. The institution confirmed that serious action will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry.
The experimental procedure aimed to correct a rare genetic condition causing cognitive delays. According to the investigation by Science and Retraction Watch, lead researcher and neuroscientist Zilong Qiu attempted to deliver the world’s first gene-editing therapy directly to the brain. The treatment involved rewriting a mutated gene in the patient’s neurons to restore vital protein production.
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Financial Costs and Informed Consent Concerns
Mei’s parents paid more than US$800,000 (RM3.2 million) to fund the experimental intervention, the joint report revealed. Investigators found that the family was not adequately informed about the risks associated with the high-risk procedure. Following the fatal outcome, lead researcher Qiu published a related paper on animal studies in the journal Nature, which made no mention of Mei or the human trial.
The incident arrives years after the 2018 scandal involving biophysicist He Jiankui, who secretly produced gene-edited babies, setting back national ambitions to rival the United States as a global biotech power.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the subject of the Shanghai Jiao Tong University investigation?
The university is investigating the undisclosed death of a six-year-old girl following an experimental brain gene-editing trial.
Who led the experimental gene therapy trial?
Neuroscientist Zilong Qiu served as the lead researcher on the project.
How was the trial funded according to investigators?
Mei’s parents paid more than US$800,000 (RM3.2 million) to fund the experiment, according to the report by Science and Retraction Watch.
What prior scandal affected China’s biotech reputation?
In 2018, biophysicist He Jiankui created controversy by secretly producing gene-edited babies.
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