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