Post by : Badri Ariffin

A Chinese university has started an investigation following reports that a six-year-old girl died after taking part in an experimental gene-editing treatment, with the incident reportedly left out of later published research.

The child, identified by the pseudonym "Mei", died last year about one week after receiving a spinal infusion containing trillions of viruses designed to reach the brain as part of an experimental treatment. The details were revealed in a joint investigation published by Science and Retraction Watch on Thursday.

Experimental treatment targeted a rare genetic disorder

According to the investigation, the experimental gene-editing therapy was developed to treat a rare genetic condition that caused delayed cognitive development. The treatment aimed to correct the faulty gene responsible for the disorder.

The report said neuroscientist Zilong Qiu, who led the research, later published a paper in the journal Nature on related animal studies. However, the published research did not mention Mei's death.

Shanghai Jiao Tong University confirms investigation

In response to the reports, the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine issued a statement on Sunday confirming that it had established a special working group to examine the matter.

The university said it "attaches great importance to the matter and has set up a special working group to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident."

It also stated that the School of Medicine has always placed strong importance on scientific research integrity and research standards, adding that it firmly opposes medical research conducted in violation of scientific ethics.

The university further said that "serious action" would be taken based on the findings of the investigation.

Parents reportedly paid more than $800,000

The investigation by Science and Retraction Watch reported that Mei's parents paid more than $800,000 to support the experimental treatment.

According to the report, the parents were not adequately informed about the potential risks involved before the procedure.

Research aimed to deliver first brain-targeted gene-editing therapy

The investigation said Zilong Qiu was attempting to develop what could have become the world's first gene-editing therapy directly targeting the brain.

The treatment sought to rewrite the mutated gene inside the girl's neurons so her body could produce a vital protein needed for normal development.

Case adds to scrutiny of China's biotechnology research

The previously undisclosed death has renewed attention on China's biotechnology sector as the country seeks to strengthen its position in the global biotech industry.

The report noted that the case follows the 2018 controversy involving biophysicist He Jiankui, who secretly created gene-edited babies, drawing international criticism over research ethics.

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