by Taboola

China's 'Frankenstein' now wants to prevent Alzheimer's after being released from prison

He Jiankui was locked up after creating the world's first gene-edited baby

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By Daniel Smith

11:08, Thu, Jan 22, 2026 Updated: 11:11, Thu, Jan 22, 2026

He Jiankui pictured in 2016 (Image: GETTY)

China's 'Frankenstein' scientist has been released, years after his imprisonment for creating the world's first gene-edited babies.

Controversial biophysicist He Jiankui faced prosecution in 2018 following his editing of the genomes of three girls with the stated aim of shielding them from HIV.

Jiankui appears not to have taken much away from his incarceration, as he's now planning to employ comparable methods to prevent Alzheimer's disease.

Whilst this may appear admirable, the type of germline editing Jiankui is proposing remains prohibited in most nations and is precisely what landed him in prison previously.

He's currently fundraising to introduce a genetic mutation he's discovered in Icelandic individuals who remain free from Alzheimer's and enjoy extended lifespans. Initially, Jiankui - who is transparent about his goals - will be conducting experiments on animals.

Performing human trials will prove more challenging, but it wouldn't be surprising if he surfaces shortly in South Africa, where germline gene editing received legal approval last year, according to NewsBytes.

Jiankui gained notoriety after revealing he had modified a gene in embryos which were subsequently brought to full term, claiming the alteration was designed to provide protection against HIV.

(FILES) This file photo taken on November 28, 2018 shows Chinese scientist He Jiankui taking part in a question and answer session after speaking at the Second International Summit on Human Genome Editing in Hong Kong. - China on December 30, 2019 sentenced He Jiankui who claimed to be behind the world's first gene-edited babies to three years in prison for illegal medical practice, state media reported. (Photo by Anthony WALLACE / AFP) (Photo by ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP via Getty Images) (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

The research, unveiled at a conference prior to proper peer review, sparked worldwide condemnation over safety, consent, and ethical concerns.