Trump's Gain-of-Function Policy May Suppress Key Pandemic Research
(MedPage Today) -- A White House policy that seeks to end what it calls "dangerous gain-of-function" (DGOF) research is not as restrictive as experts feared, but several said it could still suppress essential work that would better prepare the...
The White House has introduced a policy that aims to curtail what it deems as dangerous "gain-of-function" (DGOF) research, although experts believe it may still stifle crucial work necessary to better prepare the world for the next pandemic. The 12-page document bans federal support for DGOF research and sets up a separate review body, known as the Independent Third-Party Review Body (ITPRB), to evaluate potential DGOF research.
It also prohibits funding research conducted in certain countries or entities considered of concern. Despite these restrictions, experts argue that researchers undertaking safe and beneficial work may be discouraged from pursuing projects that could develop essential countermeasures. They worry that fearing their projects might be misconstrued as dangerous could deter them from continuing or starting such initiatives.
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