5 
for the purpose of considering the issue of safety for rDNA 
technology. From this meeting, the so-called "Asilomar guide- 
lines” for the safe conduct of rDNA research emerged. 
The original Asilomar guidelines were formalized in 
1976 by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which had 
established a special Recombinant. DNA Molecule Program Advisory 
Committee (later renamed the Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee, 
RAC) to develop guidelines for rDNA work funded by the federal 
government. After further consideration of the issues and 
receipt of input from the public - and industry representatives, 
the RAC modified the original Asilomar guidelines and 
promulgated ”NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant 
DNA Molecules" which was published in the Federal Register in 
June 1976. Subsequent revisions and additions provided for 
voluntary compliance by organizations conducting non-f ederally 
funded rDNA research. 
The NIH Guidelines resulted . from an extraordinary, 
conscientious effort by scientists, members of the public, and 
representatives of industry and the federal government, all of 
who operated in a new, and therefore, unfamiliar realm. The NIH 
Guidelines appear to be a practical response to concerns in a 
situation where the risks are mostly hypothetical but where 
benefits were already becoming apparent. Although significant 
oversight was imposed, it was possible to proceed in these 
scientific areas. The guidelines do not deal in any way with 
other molecular genetic techniques or with the long-term social 
[ 606 ] 
