Wednesday, March 20, 2019

WHO Global Registry on Genome Editing



NatureNews reports that the World Health Organization advisory committee recommends a registry be created for studies that involve editing the human genome. A sample:

“The committee agrees it is irresponsible at this time for anyone to proceed with clinical applications of human germline genome editing,” said Margaret Hamburg, the panel’s co-chair and foreign secretary of the US National Academy of Medicine.

But she emphasized that the WHO panel is not calling for a permanent moratorium on such research. “We are trying to look at the broader picture and a framework for responsible stewardship,” said Hamburg, a former commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration. “I don't think a vague moratorium is the answer for what needs to be done.”


Cheers,
Colin