UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON 
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 9*1*5 
October 10, 1979 
Dtfurtwmi of Bioehtmirtry 
Dr. Donald S. Fredrickson, Director 
National Institutes of Health 
Bldg. 1, Rm. 124 
Be thesda , HD 20205 
Dear Dr. Fredrickson: 
We would like to express our support for the proposal to 
exempt from regulation experiments Involving the use of E. coll 
wl2 as described In Science 205 , 1238 (1979). We are proud 
of the fact that during the time when hypothetical risks were 
under consideration the scientific comnunlty showed a commendable 
degree of self-policing. In view of recent data showing negligible 
risks Involved In these experiments, we have concluded that It 
Is In the best Interests of the public to relax the guidelines. 
The savings In time, energy and paperwork would be considerable. 
The public Interest would be served by having Investigators 
spend their energy on those tasks which the public Is willing to 
underwrite; mainly understanding the nature and cure of disease. 
Furthermore, we believe that the regulation of no-rlsk experiments 
creates the false Impression to the general public that there 
Indeed is something to fear In these experiments and causes 
unnecessary concern to the general psyche. 
Sincerely yours 
Milton P. Gordon 
Processor of Biochemistry 
MPG : ns 
cc: Dr. Jane Setlow 
Dr. Thomas Grays ton 
Dt. Gary Striker 
Earl W. Davie 
Chairman and Professor of Biochemistry 
1*05 Hnltk Scent's 
BmUmg, SJ-20 / TtUpkont; (206) 543-1660 
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