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Prompted by concern about the potential misuse of genetics research, Indian scientists are seeking the creation of a national bioethics panel to advise on the ethics of research and on the management and use of genetic information.

The proposal for such a panel, to monitor all aspects of research using human DNA and genetic testing, was made at a meeting of geneticists, social scientists, lawyers, economists and philosophers from India and abroad held recently in Goa.

The conference, the first of its kind in India, was organized by the Indian Academy of Sciences and was sponsored by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco), the United Nations University in Tokyo and the Third World Academy of Sciences in Trieste, Italy.

“While genetic studies may provide powerful tools for disease diagnosis and treatment, they are prone to abuses which could threaten society,” says Prakash Tandon, president of the Indian academy. “It is therefore imperative that, as we consider developing genetic research in India, we also work in parallel on the ethical, legal and social implications.”

Indian scientists have decided that, while following developments in gene therapy closely, they will hold back at present from experimenting with humans. India would also observe the international embargo on germ line therapy.

The government's Department of Biotechnology has agreed to do the groundwork for setting up the ethics panel. Consisting of individuals of “impeccable integrity and proven competence”, the panel would lay down ethical guidelines for genetics research, advise policy-makers and safeguard the rights of human research subjects, says Manju Sharma, the department's secretary. The proposed panel would also develop Indian responses to issues such as patenting.