t Are the measures described in the supplement the best way to 
ensure compliance with safety standards for recombinant DNA 
research in the private sector? 
• Is NIH the best agency to provide a mechanism for voluntary 
compl iance? 
• Are the NIH Guidelines as amended in the supplement suited to 
the industrial setting, and are all of the procedural require- 
ments appropriate? If not, how should they be revised? 
Dr. Fredrickson then called for discussion. He noted that recombin 
ant DNA research has proceeded under guidelines international ly and that 
only in Britain have regulations been invoked. Committee discussion 
then turned to the draft supplement (Attachment E). A number of repre- 
sentatives asked why industry would wish to comply. What were the 
incentives? Dr. Fredrickson noted that industry representati ves have 
repeatedly stated that they would prefer to comply with the NIH Guide- 
lines and that, clearly, if they did not, the threat of regulation or 
legislation would be ever present. 
Dr. Gryder of FDA proposed that NIH try to obtain information on 
all recombinant DNA projects in the private sector. Dr. Fredrickson 
noted that an attempt had been made in 1977, at Senator Kennedy's 
request, to develop a survey under which industrial organizations, 
mainly the PMA, would query their members; but NIH does not intend at 
present to revive the effort. The supplement, however, would be sent 
to as many industry contacts as possible for their information. 
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