GM debate must not neglect developing countries

Press Release

28 December 2003

There is an ethical obligation to explore the benefits that genetically modified (GM) crops could offer people in developing countries, according to the Nuffield Council on Bioethics. “The possible costs, benefits and risks associated with particular GM crops must be assessed on a case by case basis,” said Dr Sandy Thomas, Director of the Nuffield Council.

Nuffield Council on Bioethics expresses concern about proposed amendments to European Directive on Tissues And Cells

Press Release

11 December 2003

The Nuffield Council on Bioethics has written to MEPs expressing concern about proposed amendments to the European Directive on tissues and cells, due to be discussed in the European Parliament next week (15 – 18 December 2003).

The proposals could restrict or even ban the creation of embryos for research or tissue transplantation. The Nuffield Council believes the amendments poses a real threat to stem cell research which offers the possibility of significant advances in healthcare.

Nuffield Council on Bioethics seeks views on research involving animals

Press Release

3 October 2003

The Nuffield Council on Bioethics launches a consultation today (3 October 2003) about research involving animals. Can we justify research on animals? How much do animals actually suffer? Does a mouse have a different moral status than a monkey? Who should fund research into alternatives?

Pharmacogenetics: ethical issues report launch

26 September 2003

The Council launchedits report 'Pharmacogenetics: ethical issues' on Tuesday 23 September at a seminar at the British Medical Association, London. More than 80 people registered to attend, including physicians, members of LRECS (Local Research Ethics Committees), policy advisers, representatives from the pharmaceutical industry, the Government and journalists. Members of the Working Party presented the main recommendations and conclusions of the report, and then took questions from the audience.

Pharmacogenetics could promise safe and more effective treatments

Press Release

23 September 2003

Pharmacogenetics – the study of how genetic variation affects our response to medicines - could promise safe and more effective treatments in the future according to the Nuffield Council on Bioethics. But in a Report, Pharmacogenetics: ethical issues, published today (Tuesday 23 September), the Nuffield Council argues that it will be necessary to address legitimate concerns if the potential benefits of this important medical technology are to be realised.

Consultation: GM crops show promise for developing world

Press Release

9 June 2003

Genetically modified crops could help small-scale farmers in developing countries according to the Nuffield Council on Bioethics in a draft Discussion Paper published today. The Nuffield Council is inviting comments on the draft paper which aims to contribute to ‘GM Nation?’, the public debate organised by the government in the UK during the next six weeks.