109 
scientific endeavor will endure for centuries thereaf- 
ter. For five or 10 years now, a slow, thoughtful ap- 
proach to limiting hazards makes sense in terms of 
progressive public-health policy. 
Harvard Medical School 
Boston. MA 02115 RlCHARD GOLDSTEIN, Ph.D. 
References 
I Sinsheimer RL: Speech before the Forum of the National Academs of 
Sciences, Washington, DC. March 8. 1977 
2. National Institutes of Health: Guidelines for Research Involving Re- 
combinant BNA Molecules. 1976 
3. \\ edum AG: The Detrick Experience as a guide to the probable efficacs 
of P4 microbiological containment facilities for studies on microbial re- 
combinant DNA molecules. Recombinant DNA Research (DHEW 
PublicalionT-.o [ IN I H ] 76-1138). Vol I. Washington. DC. Government 
Printing Office. 1976 
2 . Beneficial Impacts of Recombinant DNA Research 
Section IV-C-2 of this EIS describes the various anticipated benefits 
of recombinant DNA research. As with the possible hazards, many of 
the proposed benefits are hypothetical. Assessment of the likelihood 
that they will be realized will depend on information acquired from 
future experimentation. For example, assessment of the category of 
anticipated benefits that depends on the synthesis of eukaryote proteins 
in prokaryote cells [see Section IV-C-l-b-(l) of this EIS] awaits additional 
data on the expression of the foreign genes. Should these benefits be 
realized, it may be expected that the cost of manufacturing certain 
clinically important proteins can be markedly decreased. Other clinically 
important proteins that are either in short supply (e.g. , human growth 
hormone) or unobtainable by existing techniques may be made readily 
available. Innovative approaches to immunization against infectious 
diseases can also be expected. 
Some of the indicated benefits appear certain. These are the 
benefits to be derived from an increased understanding of both basic 
biological processes and the mechanisms underlying a variety of disease 
states. 
Application of the restrictions imposed by the Guidelines will retard 
progress toward the realization of the possible benefits. In addition 
to the prohibitions on certain experiments, there are many permissible 
experiments that will need to be postponed until the requirements in 
the Guidelines can be met. fVn increase in the number of P3 facilities 
will require adequate funds, extensive planning, and installation. P4 
facilities are limited in number. Experiments that require host-vector 
systems with demonstrably limited ability to survive in natural environ- 
ments must await development of such systems, their testing, and 
finally their recommendation for approval by the NIH Recombinant 
Advisory Committee and their certification by the NIH Director. Time 
will also be required for the various review processes. 
