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21 March 2019Africa

WHO to begin working on gene editing research registry

World Health Organization (WHO) experts have called for a central registry on human genome editing research, among a committee consensus that it would be irresponsible for any scientist to conduct gene-editing studies in people

On Tuesday, March 19, a WHO advisory committee  said it had agreed to work towards a strong international governance framework in this area, after its first two-day meeting.

The committee was established following reports that a Chinese scientist had successfully created ‘edited’ twins, in December last year.

At the time, LSIPR  reported that scientists were urging policymakers to implement a regulatory framework governing the use of CRISPR technology in humans.

Earlier this week, the committee asked WHO to immediately begin working to build the registry, which it said was needed to create an open and transparent database of ongoing work.

Soumya Swamanathan, WHO chief scientist, said: “The committee will develop essential tools and guidance for all those working on this new technology to ensure maximum benefit and minimal risk to human health.”

Over the next two years, the committee will consult with stakeholders and provide recommendations for a comprehensive governance framework.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director general, added: “Gene editing holds incredible promise for health, but it also poses some risks, both ethically and medically. This committee is a perfect example of WHO’s leadership, by bringing together some of the world’s leading experts to provide guidance on this complex issue.”


More on this story

Biotechnology
11 May 2022   The UK government will implement the Genetic Technology Bill which promises to “remove unnecessary barriers” inherited from the European Union to bolster gene-editing technology.
Genetics
3 September 2019   The World Health Organization has launched a global registry to track research on human genome editing.
Genetics
26 May 2022   UK legislation to streamline gene-editing technology research is promising for innovation, but presents potential complications for IP, finds Sarah Speight.

More on this story

Biotechnology
11 May 2022   The UK government will implement the Genetic Technology Bill which promises to “remove unnecessary barriers” inherited from the European Union to bolster gene-editing technology.
Genetics
3 September 2019   The World Health Organization has launched a global registry to track research on human genome editing.
Genetics
26 May 2022   UK legislation to streamline gene-editing technology research is promising for innovation, but presents potential complications for IP, finds Sarah Speight.