“HFEA approval for new “gene editing” techniques” https://www.crick.ac.uk/news/science-news/2016/02/01/hfea-decision/
James Gallagher “Scientists get 'gene editing' go-ahead” http://www.bbc.com/news/health-35459054
Chitose Wada「【世界初】ヒトの受精卵遺伝子の編集、イギリス政府が研究目的で認める」http://www.huffingtonpost.jp/2016/02/02/modification-of-embryos-dna_n_9137614.html
英国の政府機関Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority(HFEA)*1はフランシス・クリック研究所のKathy Niakan博士の申請を承けて、研究目的でヒトの受精卵の遺伝子を「編集」することを許可した。当然ながら、「編集」後の受精卵を女性の身体に移殖することは認められていない。
BBCの記事から、この決定に対する反応に言及した部分を切り取っておく；
遺伝子操作を巡っては、http://d.hatena.ne.jp/sumita-m/20070219/1171910110 http://d.hatena.ne.jp/sumita-m/20091222/1261450836 http://d.hatena.ne.jp/sumita-m/20120318/1332088792 http://d.hatena.ne.jp/sumita-m/20120425/1335311644も。
Paul Nurse, the director of the Crick, said: "I am delighted that the HFEA has approved Dr Niakan's application."Dr Niakan's proposed research is important for understanding how a healthy human embryo develops and will enhance our understanding of IVF success rates, by looking at the very earliest stage of human development."
Dr David King, the director of Human Genetics Alert, said: "This research will allow the scientists to refine the techniques for creating GM babies, and many of the government's scientific advisers have already decided that they are in favour of allowing that.
"So this is the first step in a well mapped-out process leading to GM babies, and a future of consumer eugenics."
Dr Sarah Chan, from the University of Edinburgh, said: "The use of genome editing technologies in embryo research touches on some sensitive issues, therefore it is appropriate that this research and its ethical implications have been carefully considered by the HFEA before being given approval to proceed.
"We should feel confident that our regulatory system in this area is functioning well to keep science aligned with social interests."
