University of 3lorida 
J. H I L L I S MILLER HEALTH CENTER 
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE 
GAINESVILLE. FLORIDA 32610 
U.S.A. 
TELEPHONE 904 392-331 1 
BOX J — 266, JHMHC 
DEPARTMENT OF IMMUNOLOGY AND 
MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY 
December 17, 1979 
Dr. Donald S. Fredrickson 
Director, National Institutes of Health 
Bethesda, MD 20205 
Dear Dr. Fredrickson: 
I write in support of your decision to require that propagation 
of recombinant DNA molecules in IE. col i K-12 be carried out at the PI 
and EK1 levels and that these experiments be registered with the local 
IBC. Further I agree with your decision to require that experiments 
in which there is a deliberate attempt to have expression of a 
eukaryotic gene be reviewed and approved by the local IBC prior to 
their being performed. 
Within a very brief period of time the technique of recombinant 
DNA research has yielded startling new insights into the structure and 
functioning of eukaryotic genes. Additionally, at the applied level 
it is clear that production of human hormones for therapeutic use in 
meaningful quantities is very near at hand. To date no risk associated 
with recombinant DNA research has been demonstrated. On the other 
hand, it is impossible to say that any human activity or experience is 
risk free. In my opinion the correct stance is to be in a position to 
rapidly determine that an unacceptable risk has been demonstrated and 
to then take appropriate action. This, after all, is the approach 
that arbovlrologists have come to after many years of careful thought 
about an analogous medical problem. Your decision to require registra- 
tion with the local IBC's will facilitate recognition and response in 
the unlikely situation that a particular experiment proves to be 
dangerous. 
In summary, it seems to me that you have moved to facilitate one 
of the most exciting areas in science and medicine while retaining the 
capability of reacting to any problems which may arise. I applaud 
your decision. 
Sincerely 
Kenneth I. Berns, M.D. , Ph.D 
Professor and Chairman 
KIB: ral 
EQUAL employment opportunity/affirmative action employer 
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