China’s New Ethical Guidelines for Human Genome Editing Research

July 22, 2024 Posted by China Briefing Written by Giulia Interesse Reading Time: 6 minutes

China’s new Ethical Guidelines for Human Genome Editing emphasize strict regulation to address ethical concerns and ensure responsible research practices in biotechnology, particularly regarding the prohibition of clinical germline genome editing. This framework aims to safeguard human dignity, uphold participant rights, and mitigate global ethical, legal, and social risks associated with genome editing research.

On July 8, 2024, China’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) unveiled a new set of Ethical Guidelines for Human Genome Editing (hereinafter, the “new guidelines”), setting a precedent for the regulation of genetic research in the country. These guidelines aim to establish strict ethical standards and provide a comprehensive framework to ensure that scientific advancements in genome editing are pursued responsibly, safeguarding human dignity and societal values.

With these new regulations, China intends to mitigate the unpredictable risks and profound ethical implications of genome editing while promoting responsible research practices. In this article, we delve into the key aspects of China’s new guidelines, examining their background, major provisions, and implications for the future of genome editing research both within the country and on the global stage.

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Background: Evolution of China’s regulatory framework on human genome editing

The recent publication of a new set of guidelines regarding human genome editing marks a significant step in the country’s evolving regulatory framework for human genome editing. This development seeks to address the ethical and social concerns of this rapidly advancing field, particularly following the 2018 scandal involving Dr. He Jiankui. Dr. He’s claim of creating the world’s first genome-edited babies, where he used CRISPR/Cas9 to increase the twins’ resistance to HIV, highlighted the urgent need for stringent regulations to prevent unethical practices.

In response to the widespread outcry over Dr. He’s experiment, China’s National Health Commission (NHC) swiftly revised its 2016 Measures on the Ethical Reviews of Biomedical Research Involving Humans.

In March 2023, a national legislative meeting announced plans to transfer the supervision of human genetic material to the National Health Commission (NHC). This transition marked a significant policy shift toward prioritizing public health in the field of human genetic resources. Reflecting this change, the MOST also closed its 25-year-old Genetic Resources Office in July of the same year, leaving the NHC as the only authority overseeing human genetic resources.

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Between late 2023 and early 2024, the NHC engaged in intensive discussions with experts and industry representatives. These discussions aimed to streamline administration and deregulate certain aspects of human genetic resource management. The NHC focused on revising rules to enhance regulatory efficiency, invigorate scientific research, and support the biopharmaceutical industry. The guiding principle behind these changes was to “regulate where necessary and relax where possible,” seeking a balance between effective oversight and minimizing unnecessary regulatory burdens.

As a result of such discussion, the NHC then released the Measures for the Ethical Review of Life Science and Medical Research Involving Humans (hereinafter, the “2023 Measures”), which further strengthened the regulatory framework. These updated regulations expanded the scope of ethical reviews to include a broader range of activities, such as research involving human cells, tissues, organs, embryos, and fetuses. This expansion ensures that life science studies undergo rigorous ethical scrutiny, promoting a more responsible approach to genome editing.

A key improvement in the 2023 Measures was the introduction of specific provisions for informed consent, ensuring that research participants receive comprehensive information before consenting to participate. The guidelines also mandated adequate funding and resources for ethics committees and regular ethics training for scientists, administrators, and students to reinforce ethical standards in research practices.

Despite these advancements, concerns remained about the regulation of private research organizations. Critics argued that this gap raised the risk of unethical practices continuing unchecked especially in the private sector, highlighting the need for further regulatory measures to address these issues.

Key provisions of China’s new guidelines for human genome editing

Scope and terminology

The new guidelines apply to the ethical conduct of research involving alterations to human genetic material. They aim to ensure responsible and beneficial use of genome editing technologies while addressing ethical, legal, and societal implications.

The new guidelines incorporate key terminology essential for understanding the ethical framework and scope of the field. These include:

Genome editing: Techniques used to modify specific sequences within an organism’s DNA.
Somatic cells: Non-reproductive cells in the body that do not pass genetic changes to offspring.
Germ cells: Reproductive cells (sperm and eggs) and their precursors capable of passing genetic changes to future generations.
Germ-line genome editing: Editing of genetic material in germ cells, fertilized eggs, or embryos with the potential to impact heritable traits.
Clinical research: Research conducted with human participants aimed at evaluating the safety and efficacy of genome editing technologies in treating or preventing genetic diseases.
Basic research: Laboratory-based research focused on understanding genome editing technologies and their effects on cells and organisms.

Principles outlined in the new guidelines

The guidelines prioritize improving human health through responsible genome editing. Researchers aim to develop treatments and prevent diseases caused by genetic mutations. This ensures that research outcomes contribute positively to societal welfare and individual health.

Human dignity is considered another central principle in genome editing research, emphasizing respect for participants’ intrinsic value and well-being. Measures include providing clear information, obtaining voluntary consent, and ensuring privacy and confidentiality of genetic information.

Lastly, participants in genome editing research have rights:

Right to information: Clear understanding of research purposes, risks, and benefits.
Privacy: Strict confidentiality of personal and genetic data.
Autonomy: Voluntary participation and withdrawal rights without repercussions.

Conditions for use of genome editing technologies

Ethical use of genome editing involves:

Criteria for assessment: Evaluating scientific and social value, risk-benefit balance, and alternatives.
Risk monitoring and supervision: Continuous oversight to manage risks and ensure ethical conduct.
Requirements for fairness, impartiality, openness, and transparency: Equitable access, sharing of findings, and transparent research practices to enhance collaboration and prevent unethical conduct.

Basic and special requirements

The guidelines distinguish basic requirements from special requirements to provide clarity and specificity in ethical expectations for different stages and types of genome editing research:

Requirements in the New Guidelines for Human Genome Editing
Type	Purpose	Details
Basic Requirements	Establish foundational principles that apply universally to all genome editing research, such as the reasonable purpose, protection of participants, researcher qualifications, and informed consent. These are essential ethical standards that must be upheld throughout all stages of research.	Reasonable purpose: Research must serve significant scientific and societal goals, particularly focusing on medical applications for disease treatment or prevention. Protection of participants: Participant safety and rights take precedence over advancing scientific knowledge. Research qualifications: Researchers must possess appropriate expertise, ethical training, and access to necessary infrastructure Informed consent: Clear and effective consent must be obtained from participants, allowing them to make voluntary and informed decisions about their involvement in research. This includes the right to withdraw from the study at any stage without consequences, respecting participants’ autonomy and dignity.
Special Requirements	Address specific ethical considerations and restrictions that vary between basic/preclinical and clinical research phases. This segmentation ensures that researchers adhere to additional safeguards and prohibitions relevant to each stage of research, particularly concerning the use and potential impacts of genome editing technologies on human health and genetic inheritance.	Basic and preclinical Research: This category prohibits the use of edited germ cells, fertilized eggs, or embryos for pregnancy. Instead, researchers must use legally sourced samples and dispose of surplus materials ethically. Somatic cell genome editing: Focuses on treating or preventing diseases based on evidence from preclinical studies. Researchers must assess potential risks to germ cells to ensure the safety and ethical integrity of the research. Germ-line genome editing: Currently prohibited due to the significant risks of permanent genetic changes and ethical concerns. Future consideration of germ-line editing requires a thorough understanding of risks and benefits, societal consensus, and stringent oversight to ensure responsible and safe application.

Takeaways and future implications

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China’s recent issuance of comprehensive guidelines on human genome editing research marks a significant response to the ethical challenges and scientific complexities posed by biotechnological advancements. Central to these guidelines is a decisive prohibition of clinical research involving germline genome editing, aimed at preventing inheritable genetic modifications and prioritizing ethical considerations. This reflects China’s commitment to safeguarding future generations from potential risks associated with altering human genetic material.

These guidelines signify a broader shift towards enhanced ethical governance and regulatory oversight in biomedicine. They include stringent requirements for ethical reviews, lawful sourcing of research materials, and meticulous risk assessments before considering any clinical applications of genome editing technologies.

Internationally, this regulatory approach aligns with measures enacted by countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, reflecting a global consensus on the ethical boundaries and societal implications of genome editing. By establishing clear standards and prohibitions, the new guidelines promote international collaboration to develop harmonized ethical norms that uphold human dignity, protect participant rights, and mitigate potential ethical, legal, and social risks associated with genome editing research.

Looking ahead, the implementation of this new regulatory framework is poised to influence the future landscape of genome editing research both in China and globally. With integrity and foresight, these new guidelines aim to foster a responsible and ethical approach to biotechnological innovation, ensuring that advancements in genome editing contribute positively to human welfare while adhering to fundamental ethical principles.

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