THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO 
COMMITTEE ON GENETICS 
920 BAST 5 8 T H STREET 
CHICAGO • ILLINOIS 60637 
December 21 , 1979 
Dr. Donald Fredrickson, Director 
National Institutes of Health 
Bethesda, Maryland 20205 
Dear Dr. Fredrickson: 
I write in support of the most recent proposed revision of the Guidelines for 
Recombinant DNA research as published in the Federal Register for November 30, 
1979. The applications of this revolutionary new technique have led to 
spectacular advances in our knowledge of fundamental genetic processes in man 
and other higher forms of life. New vistas for possible treatment of a number 
of diseases have emerged. Clearly, there is potentially great benefit in 
allowing this type of research to continue. As for the risks, these remain 
conjectural. No deleterious effects have been seen, even when animals were 
exposed to recombinant structures suspected of being dangerous. While it is 
impossible to be certain that no risk is involved, it is now clear the risk 
is very low, and may be nil. I find the revised guidelines a reasonable 
compromise which minimizes risk while allowing desirable research to proceed. 
I urge that the proposed guidelines be approved. 
Sincerely vours. 
Wolfgang Epstein, M.D. 
Chairman 
WE/gb 
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