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HealthShanghai Jiaotong University probes gene therapy death of six-year-old girl
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Shanghai's Jiaotong University is investigating a failed experimental gene therapy that led to the death of a six-year-old girl named 'Mei' in 2025. The girl suffered from a rare genetic disease causing cognitive developmental delays. Her parents paid over 700,000 euros for the untested treatment, which involved an infusion into the spinal area intended to deliver therapy to the brain. The girl died about a week after the procedure. Lead researcher Zilong Qiu published a related article in the journal Nature about animal experiments but did not mention Mei's death. The investigation was prompted by a joint report from Science magazine and Retraction Watch, which also noted that the parents were not adequately informed of the risks. The university stated it 'firmly rejects' unethical medical research and will take strict measures depending on the investigation's outcome.
Source report
A new gene therapy apparently failed at a university in China (symbolic image) Source: Getty Images/skaman306
A six-year-old girl named "Mei" received an experimental gene therapy for a rare disease and died. Despite this, the researchers reported a success. Now, the elite university must explain itself.
University Launches Investigation
A university in China is investigating reports that a failed gene therapy led to the death of a then six-year-old girl last year. The death had not been mentioned in the published research paper, Shanghai's Jiaotong University announced on Sunday.
The university's medical faculty stated that it "attaches great importance to this case" and has established "a special working group" to review the incident.
Details of the Case
The death of the six-year-old, known under the name "Mei," occurred about a week after an infusion into the spinal area. The procedure was intended to deliver therapy to the brain, according to a joint report by the magazine Science and the blog Retraction Watch.
- The girl suffered from a rare genetic disease that delayed her cognitive development.
- Her parents paid the equivalent of more than 700,000 euros for the still-untested treatment.
Research Publication Omits Death
The lead researcher on the project, neuroscientist Zilong Qiu, subsequently published an article in the renowned journal Nature about animal experiments in this context. Mei was not mentioned in it at all.
University's Response
The medical faculty of Jiaotong University stated regarding its decision to launch an investigation that it "has always attached great importance to the integrity of scientific research and research standards" and "firmly rejects" medical and scientific research that "violates ethical principles."
Depending on the outcome of the investigation, "strict measures" would be taken, the university added.
Inadequate Risk Disclosure
According to the report by Science and Retraction Watch, the girl's parents were not adequately informed about the risks of the treatment.
AFP/lpi
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Chinese University Investigates Gene Therapy Death of Six-Year-Old Girl