Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee - 7/31/90 
Dr. Miller said he remembered in Dr. Fredrickson's comments to 
the RA.C that he speculated that perhaps it was time for the RAC's 
oversight of recombinant DNA to come to an end, except perhaps in 
the area of human gene therapy. He said he was concerned that 
this question was not one which was posed for discussion at the 
regional meetings. 
Dr. McGarrity said he felt Dr. Fredrickson's comments were not 
aimed at asking the RAC to decide whether it needed to "go out of 
business," but that it should consider its future role. He said 
he felt the regional meetings were indeed a part of this process. 
Dr. Miller said he felt the questions posed were an invitation to 
"tinker with the definition of 'recombinant DNA,'" and to include 
new processes. He felt the broader question of RAC oversight 
would have been a better issue to emphasize. 
Dr. Atlas said he would like to see questions asked about process 
and whether the RAC should continue the dual role it has set up 
as being a "friend to the investigator" and helpful in developing 
protocols or whether it should be the "final arbitrator" and 
review the safety issues. He said he felt this question of 
process was an important one and that with many IBCs currently 
contemplating acting on requests for human gene therapy 
protocols, the regional hearings would be an excellent forum 
where this process dialogue can best be carried out. 
IX. Future Meeting Dates of the Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee: 
Dr. McGarrity called the committee's attention to tab 1397 which 
contains dates of future meetings. He noted the next meeting of 
the RAC is scheduled for October 16, 1990, which is the day 
following the regional hearing being held at the NIH. 
X. Adjournment; 
Having concluded the agenda and there being no further business 
to be discussed. Dr. McGarrity adjourned the committee at 12:21 
p.m., on July 31, 1990. 
Nerson A. Wivel, M.D, 
Executive Secretary 
Recombinant DNA Research, Volume 14 
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