Synthetic Biology and Personalized Medicine

Jain, K.K.

There are ethical concerns because of the perception that techniques of synthetic biology can be used to create life. In response to this, US President Barack Obama asked the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues to review the developing field of synthetic biology and identify appropriate ethical boundaries to maximize public benefits and minimize risks. The findings of this commission were published in December 2010. 'The recommendations detailed in this report provide a publicly accountable basis for ensuring that the field of synthetic biology advances to improve human health and public welfare with processes in place to identify, assess, monitor, and mitigate risks on an ongoing basis as the field matures. Risk assessment should precede field release of the products of synthetic biology. Ongoing assessment and review is required in several areas to avoid unnecessary limits on science and social progress, and to ensure appropriate restrictions to protect individual safety and our shared environment. Ongoing dialogue about concerns regarding the implications of synthetic biology for humans, other species, nature, and the environment should continue as synthetic biology develops from its infancy to a fully mature field of scientific inquiry and innovation' [38] .