Should
all babies get DNA screening? asks Reid
John Reid, the new Health Secretary, has asked the Government's
genetics watchdog to "consider the case" for DNA screening of
every newborn baby, it emerged yesterday.
The Human Genetics Commission is to investigate the ethical, scientific
and economic implications of starting a national database of genetic
profiles.
The information would be stored on electronic patient records
and used to identify those whose genes increased their risk of
contracting diseases such as cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer's.
This would one day enable doctors to identify the most suitable
drugs for patients.
The proposal is contained in a Department of Health White Paper
on genetics and gene therapy, a new and highly experimental branch
of medicine which tackles disease by repairing or replacing faulty
genes.
Presenting the White Paper to the House of Commons, Mr Reid said
that legislation would be introduced to make it an offence to
test a person's DNA without consent.
He also announced an additional £50 million for genetic science
in England over three years and said he would consider new laws
against discrimination on genetic grounds.
"We are standing on the threshold of a revolution in health care,"
he said. "I believe that genetics can deliver real and lasting
benefits for everyone."
A DNA screening programme for all newborn babies would be a very
controversial move. The White Paper said the information could
be used to give patients "tailored treatment" according to their
genetic make-up, but added that the proposal "clearly raises a
wide range of ethical and social concerns which would need to
be fully explored".
The new law of DNA theft is intended to stop people from secretly
collecting genetic material from "dental floss in dustbins" or
from hair on a comb. It will protect celebrities and those involved
in unwelcome paternity tests.
The additional money includes £18 million for upgrading health
service genetics laboratories and more than £7 million for developing
genetics services in surgeries and hospitals.
Over the next three years the Government will also give £4 million
to research on gene-based treatments, £2.5 million for research
into cystic fibrosis, £3 million for research into other single
gene disorders and £4 million for gene therapy facilities.
Dr Liam Fox, the shadow health secretary, welcomed the extra money
for cystic fibrosis and the legislation against DNA theft.
"But we must not overhype what genetics can do," he said. "The
technologies are at a very early stage."
Dr Adrian Thrasher, of the Institute of Child Health, London,
and head of the team that conducted Britain's first successful
gene therapy trials, said the money was not enough.
"We are pleased to see this initiative," he said. "But to get
this on track the Government will have to invest a lot, lot more."
Dr Tom Shakespeare, an expert on genetics at the University of
Newcastle, said: "The open question is whether either gene therapy
or pharmaco-genetics will ever fulfil the huge hopes and expectations
of researchers and scientists.
"Early hype proved premature. Turning DNA research into genetic
health benefits is much harder than anyone ever imagined."
Alistair Kent, the director the Genetics Interest Group, said
that £50 million was a drop in the ocean.
He added: "It is an important drop that can help provide the infrastructure
that will allow the health service to determine which people can
benefit most from these new therapies."
25 June
2003

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