Gene-Editing Oversight Needed, But Ban On Research Should Be Lifted

A portion of the fiscal 2020 Agriculture spending bill continues a ban on research that involves gene-editing of human embryos. The field of genetic modification garnered international attention after a Chinese scientist announced last fall that he had created the first genetically modified babies.

Professor Shubha Ghosh at the Syracuse University College of Law is the director of the Syracuse Technology Commercialization Law Program. His research specialties include intellectual property and the law. He also wrote “Identity, Invention and the Culture of Personalized Medicine Patenting” and wrote the article “Myriad Post-Myriad,” which takes a deep dive into genetic medicine.

Ghosh says:

“There should not be a ban on the research although there should be oversight on experimentation and research ethics.

“As far as implementation of the technology, there should be guidelines from the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services on permissible parameters for genetic modification to ensure that the technology is not used for the purpose of eugenics.

“There should be guidelines on how future technologies can be used for identification and modification of birth defects. These uses need to be carefully studied and monitored.”

To request interviews or get more information:

Daryl Lovell
Media Relations Manager
Division of Marketing and Communications

T 315.443.1184   M 315.380.0206
dalovell@syr.edu | @DarylLovell

350 West Fayette Street, Syracuse, NY 13202
news.syr.edu | syracuse.edu

Syracuse University