Dr. Wyngaarden 
- 2 - 
February 23, 1984 
recombinant DNA technology under the Environ- 
mental Protection Agency (EPA) . They believe 
that, in conduct of genetic engineering proce- 
dures, risks have been identified that require 
enforced protective measures be taken and that 
RAC is not the appropriate group to deal with the 
issues. In fact, while hypothetical and poten- 
tial risks have been described, none has been 
characterized experimentally. 
This singular perception of public interest may, 
in fact, be harmful to the public. In our busi- 
ness and in many other large and small companies 
involved in biotechnology, we are also supporting 
the public interest. We are searching for new 
drugs to treat diseases that harm mankind, we are 
searching for new methods to diagnose these 
diseases, and we are searching for a variety of 
agricultural products that will increase the 
world food supply. We are also acutely aware of 
the need to practice this technology in an 
environment that is safe for everyone. 
Too frequently government and industry become 
adversaries. RAC's review procedures enable 
industry, government, and academia to work 
together effectively and to produce fruitful 
research without encumbering those involved in 
the research with a regulatory process not neces- 
sary to preserve public safety. 
Recently, Dr. Bernard Talbot (deputy director, 
NIAID) submitted to the Recombinant DNA Advisory 
Committee a series of questions relating to pos- 
sible constraints on RAC jurisdiction; these echo 
the Gore staff report in illuminating concerns 
within the NIH about RAC's continuing role. 
Lilly has submitted formal comments to RAC in 
response to Dr. Talbot's questions. We support 
RAC's continuing involvement, and I hope you will 
have the opportunity to review these comments. 
A profound and distinct feature of the recombi- 
nant DNA area is the extreme rapidity with which 
basic new scientific findings move from the 
research laboratory to development and, ulti- 
mately, to production. We have long felt that 
the scientific orientation of the RAC and its 
[667] 
