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these products and many more to come would not have occurred. 
The positive benefits to mankind are, therefore, truly 
substantial with respect to this applicaton of rDNA technology. 
Up to this point and in the immediate foreseeable 
future, the above uses of rDNA technology comprise the extent 
of the research commitment in which the PMA member firms are 
engaged. No member firm has performed interventions genetically 
in humans to treat known genetic defects nor has any member firm 
performed in humans other genetic investigations such as genetic 
engineering experiments. It is in these latter two types of 
investigations that almost all of the social and ethical concerns 
about the use of rDNA technology focuses. 
Given the benefits possible and the responsible manner 
in which the pharmaceutical industry has conducted itself, the 
following is PMA’s position on biotechnology issues. 
Guidelines or Other Forms of Regulatory Control 
With respect to external controls, the PMA supports 
continuation of the National Institutes of Health Recombinant 
DNA Advisory Committee (RAC). RAC has developed guidelines 
which are applicable to all federally funded research. More 
importantly, all member firms of PMA have voluntarily agreed to 
comply with the spirit and intent of these guidelines. Thus, 
rDNA investigations in terms of safety to the environment and 
to the workers are adequately covered. This means that the NIH 
through RAC can continue to set the 
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