German state unexpectedly approves first gene trials

Article Abstract:

The first trials of gene therapy in Germany have been approved by the state ethics committee in Baden-Wurtenberg. It will also be the first gene therapy trial in Europe that is aimed at cancer. Few German researchers have attempted to gain approval for such trials because political opposition to genetic engineering in Germany has been regarded as insurmountable. Roland Mertelsmann has developed a novel approach that uses electroporation rather than a retrovirus for transfection, making the process less objectionable.

Germany, Science and technology policy, Genetic aspects, Gene therapy, Cancer, Cancer genetics, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany

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Delays in alternative tests defer animal ban

Article Abstract:

The lack of suitable alternative tests may delay the introduction of the European Union law banning the avoidable use of animals in toxicity tests. A workshop by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) tries to incorporate the international standards for validating alternative tests. Developing alternative tests is, however, difficult due to the lack of strong data on animal tests and uncertainty regarding the scientific utility of alternative tests.

Analysis, Laws, regulations and rules, Animal experimentation, Animal welfare

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