Republican leaders in the House Energy and Commerce Committee are proposing a new oversight panel to regulate viral pathogen research, specifically gain-of-function studies. These studies involve making a virus more transmissible or virulent in a lab and have been deemed risky. The recommendation comes after a monthslong investigation into gain-of-function research conducted by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Some lawmakers have expressed frustration with the agency and have accused it of stonewalling the investigation. The proposed oversight board would be independent and free of conflicts of interest. However, the feasibility of establishing such a board remains uncertain.
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NIH ‘gain-of-function’ research needs more limits, say GOP lawmakers
