Chinese scientist investigated after girl's death in gene-editing trial

A six-year-old girl died days after receiving an experimental gene-editing therapy designed to treat a rare genetic condition affecting neurodevelopment. The death, which occurred in March last year, was not disclosed in subsequent publications by the lead researcher, neuroscientist Qiu Zilong of Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

The therapy and its failure

The girl, identified only by the pseudonym "Mei," was infused with trillions of viruses carrying a base editor into her spinal fluid. Seven days later, she died of a severe immune reaction linked to the treatment Source: SCMP. The experimental therapy aimed to rewrite a mutated gene in her neurons to restore cognitive development Source: CNA.

Investigation and aftermath

Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine has launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident, stating it "attaches great importance to scientific research integrity" and opposes violations of research ethics Source: CNA. The hospital involved, Xinhua Hospital, paid a fine of about 24,000 yuan (US$3,500) last September, but Qiu faced no public sanctions at the time Source: SCMP. Mei's parents paid more than $800,000 to fund the experiment and were not adequately informed of the risks, according to a joint investigation by Science and Retraction Watch Source: CNA. The previously undisclosed death deals a fresh blow to China's biotech ambitions, echoing the 2018 scandal of gene-edited babies by He Jiankui.