31 
investigations in human beings utilizing rDNA technology. Since 
the power of the Commission is limited to conducting studies as 
opposed to regulating, the PMA should actively participate in 
the process of selecting members to such a Commission and in the 
establishment of its agenda. 
Member firms of the PMA h.ave limited their 
experimentation utilizing rDNA technology to creating 
therapeutic or diagnostic products which do not alter 
the human genome. However, there may be other organizations or 
non-PMA member firms which intend to intervene genetically in 
humans to treat genetic defects or to perform in humans other 
genetic investigations such as genetic engineering experiments. 
With respect to these latter two categories of investigations, 
the PMA supports the NIH RAC’s proposal to monitor such 
research. This advisory committee should have borad-based 
representation in order to ensure proper consideration of the 
social and ethical issues' which have been raised relative to 
these types of experiments. Ethical considerat ions are part of 
the deliberations of existing advisory committees when asked 
to review proposed protocols. ”Non-scientif ic M representation 
on this advisory committee will not create a negative precedent 
given this factor and the unique nature of the issues being 
addressed. The advisory committee should establish guidelines 
for these types of investigations and also, at least initially, 
review all protocols relative to these investigations. 
[ 632 ] 
