SUMMARY OF CONCLUSIONS 
(For complete text and discussion see pages 3-10) 
In General 
Immediate benefits of recombinant DNA research appear to be 
more imminent than the risks which have been hypothesized. . . . 
Recombinant DNA research should continue to be supported in as 
positive and careful a fashion as possible. . . . 
Since recombinant DNA research is underway in many nations, 
actions in the United States alone cannot be the final determining 
factor of the future of the research. . . . 
There are clear instances of recognition of potential problems by 
private and commercial investigators with socially responsible actions 
resulting. . . . 
The burden of proof of safety factors should not be borne exclusively 
by proponents of recombinant DNA research; opponents must assume 
a corresponding burden. . . . 
Types of research currently permitted under recombinant DNA 
research guidelines do not seem to pose significantly greater risks 
than natural diseases routinely confronting the medical community; 
in many instances they appear to present less risk. . . . 
NIH Guidelines for Recombinant DNA Research 
The guidelines should be formalized by authorizing the extension of 
the NIH guidelines to regulate all recombinant DNA research for the 
present, recognizing that applicability of such guidelines to non- 
Federally funded research may require some restructuring. . . . 
These guidelines should be evaluated continuously and kept con- 
sistent with new data. . . . 
Better legal procedures for implementing the guidelines need to be 
developed. . . . 
More attention should be given to improvement of procedures for 
public participation in developing guideline revisions. . . . 
Before extending the guidelines to commercial institutions, further 
considerations should be given to special problems — such as protec- 
tion of trade secrets and different regulatory approaches necessary 
in cases where large volumes of laboratory material must be used. . . . 
(VII) 
[Appendix B 49] 
