Government to reassess funding for viral research

While dangerous, the study of infectious viruses and bacteria captivates scientists.The interaction between viruses and the human body are critical to the understanding of the spread of diseases. Furthermore, by studying the mechanisms through which virus interacts with the body, researchers are better armed to develop treatments. However, the White House is temporarily halting such studies, worried that labs aren’t taking enough precautions to prevent disease outbreaks.

Many research facilities attempt to study viruses through gain-of-function experiments. During these experiments, virus DNA are modified, amplifying or removing certain characteristics. The virus is then introduced into a population of insects, animals or human cells. It is allowed to spread and the infected cells are analyzed for information regarding effect of the virus and its transmutability.

While offering great potential for scientific understanding of viruses, these gain-of-function experiments expose the public to a greater risk of infectious diseases. Many laboratories are not equipped to handle the higher security and safety risks associated with experiments of infectious viruses. These research facilities have to satisfy biosafety level requirements set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

These levels range from one to four, with one being the lowest level. Laboratories classified for level one pose minimum risks and, thus, have the least requirements. With each level, however, standards of biosafety and biosecurity increases. At biosafety level four, the level for infectious disease experiments, the building must be constructed with air-tight rooms. The entrances and exits leading into the experiment room must have multiple showers, ultraviolet (UV) rooms, and other decontamination protocols. In addition, scientists working with infectious diseases have to be rigorously trained.

Recent news revealed the inadequacies of numerous facilities in the U.S. to handle infectious disease experiments. One of the most recent biosecurity leaks occurred in a CDC facility in Georgia and resulted in the resignation of its director. In response to the lack of biosecurity, the U.S. government is withholding new funding for gain-of-function research on infectious diseases such as influenza and SARS. In addition, the government also encourage current experiments with infectious diseases to be suspended.

During the suspension of funds, the government will re-assess experiments that require a gain-of-function study. The assessment will evaluate whether the potential benefits of the study outweigh the risks to public safety. Furthermore, the assessment will offer improvements to biosafety and biosecurity.

The assessment comprised of two components. The first evaluation is conducted by the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB). The responsibility of the board will be the deliberation of the benefits and risks of the study and to offer improvements on biosecurity and safety. After the NSABB evaluation, the National Research Council hosts a conference to discuss the potential risks of the research and to review NSABB assessments. The NRC serves as a conduit for the scientific community to participate in the process.

After the experiment has been reviewed by both the NSABB and NRC, the U.S. government will end the suspension to funding for the approved experiment. The rigorous process is estimated to take nine months after the start of the funding suspension. The evaluative phase will take six months and an additional three months for the processing of the evaluations by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Director of the National Institutes of Health and other related officials.