Synthetic Genomics and Its Policy Implications

After 20 months of research and discussions, a group of scientists, ethicists and policy makers from J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI), the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology released the report called Synthetic Genomics: Options for Governance, which “outlines areas for interventions and policy options to help mitigate potential risks with this promising area of research.”
From the press statement by the J. Craig Venter Institute:

Synthetic genomics is a field of research in which scientists use chemically created pieces of DNA (called oligonucleotides or oligos) to design and assemble chromosomes, parts of chromosomes, genes and gene pathways. Scientists foresee many potential positive applications including new pharmaceuticals and biologically produced, green fuels. However, as with many technologies, there is the potential for misuse and accidents.
The core group set out to analyze the state of the technology in synthetic genomics and to develop a comprehensive set of options for policy makers, researchers, and companies in the field. The report includes options that help to enhance biosecurity, foster laboratory safety, and protect the communities and environment outside of laboratories…
The group identified three areas for policy intervention and outlined policy options for each intervention point. Drew Endy noted, “Our report draws upon the perspectives of many different stakeholders, including developers and users of DNA synthesis technology, as well as the biosecurity community. We hope that our efforts will help ongoing discussions of the responsible use of synthetic genomics techniques and tools.”
The first set of options applies to firms that supply synthetic DNA, both those that supply gene- and genome length strands of DNA and those that supply much shorter oligonucleotides. This set includes the option, for example, that firms must use special software to screen orders for potentially harmful DNA.
The second set of options is aimed at the oversight or regulation of DNA synthesizers and reagents used in synthesis. For example, owners of DNA synthesizers might be required to register their machines, or that licenses might be required in order to purchase specific chemicals needed to synthesize DNA.
The final set of options is aimed exclusively at legitimate users of synthetic genomics technologies. The options cover both the education of users (e.g., modules in university courses that explicitly discuss the risks and best practices when using these new technologies) and prior review of experiments (for example, expanding the roles of institutional biosafety committees to review a broader range of “risky” experiments).

Here’s the full report to read, or you can send it to the printer:

For criticism of the report, head on to the ETC Group…
JCVI’s press release: New Policy Report Outlines Options for Governance of Synthetic Genomics …
Report: Synthetic Genomics: Options for Governance …
Flashbacks: Medgadget synthetic biology archives…