August 27, 1979 
Director 
National Institutes of Health 
Bethesda, Maryland 20205 
Dear Sir: 
These comments are submitted by Genex Corporation on the proposed 
Supplement to the NIH Guidelines for Recombinant DNA Research as 
published in the Federal Register for August 3, 1979. 
Genex Corporation is concerned with the application of genetic 
engineering to the microbial products market and, in particular, 
the development of targeted products by means of recombinant DNA 
technology. Genex is applying recombinant DNA technology in the 
following areas: 
1. Improvement of microbial processes currently involved 
in the fermentation industry, for example, in the 
production of amino acids, enzymes, antibiotics, and 
steroids . 
2. Genetic manipulation of microorganisms which are 
already capable of synthesizing commercially desired 
products but at economically unattractive yields, for 
example, industrial aliphatic and aromatic chemicals. 
3. Construction of new microbial strains either with genes 
isolated from different organisms or with chemically 
synthesized genes in order to make products which the 
unmodified microbes could not otherwise produce. Such 
products include hormones, vaccines, pesticides, and 
fuels . 
In order to accomplish its objectives, Genex undertakes both 
research and consulting services for corporate clients who are 
interested either in improving current microbial processes or in 
designing new processes applicable to large scale fermentation 
systems . 
Genex is currently developing a research and development center with 
18,000 sq. ft. available for contract research activities. The 
center will include a P-3 biohazard laboratory, a pilot fermentation 
plant, an electron microscopy facility, a genetic toxicology unit, 
and a number of laboratories equipped for research in molecular 
genetics, nucleic acid chemistry, emzymology, microbial physiology, 
and tissue culture. 
[313] 
• Genex Corporation *6110 Executive Blvd. • Suite 1 090, Rockville, Md., 20852 • 301-770-0650 
