Letters to the Editor
Synthetic biology: the ethical dilemma

Contributed by Dr Bernard GOUGET, SFBC-EFCC representative, Deputy Secretary general International Francophone Federation of Clinical Biology and Laboratory Medicine (FIFBCML), IFCC Executive Board Member

Man's biotechnological powers are expanding in breadth at an accelerating pace. However many of these powers are double-edged, offering on one hand to help alleviate human suffering and on the other, threatening harm to the dignity of man.

Synthetic biology is the use of advanced science in the intent of engineering biological components and systems that do not exist in nature, and of reengineering natural biological elements. The primary intention is the design of artificial biological systems rather than the understanding of natural biology. The main emerging areas of research are the creation of minimal genomes, the regulation of signalization pathways, and even the production of totally artificial cells or microorganisms, with the intent of standardizing genetic components with specific functions.

Synthetic biology calls upon the know-how of an interdisciplinary task force composed of biologists, bioengineers, chemists and information technology specialists, and fosters philosophical, anthropological, ethical concerns. Biosafety, biosecurity and intellectual property issues are also part of the considerations that increase the complexity of the assessment of social, and legal outcomes of this emerging field.

Synthetic biology, rapidly growing and evolving as it establishes itself in the scientific community, is increasingly reported the scientific and lay press. The orientation of the coverage varies, some emphasizing the potential risks and benefits, some focusing on the future applications and yet others examining the social and ethical concerns that might emerge when the technology will be applied.

Considering that the accuracy of scientific communications and research ethics are two major factors that guarantee the important role of science and research in society, many countries have implemented national ethics committees that include different areas of expertise such as research integrity, biologic and genomic technologies, medical and healthcare ethics, laboratory animal sciences, etc. This diversity in their composition assures a better coverage and comprehension of this multifaceted field. Undoubtedly, a network of all such committees will benefit from synergistic effects in increased visibility, authority and trustworthiness.

The EFCC mission statement of fundamental values affirms that, while the European membership is multicultural, there is an amalgam of shared values that is intimately linked to the identity of the Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine. This may help to nurture not only a European identity, but also a European way of implementing policies based on open debate, mutual respect and tolerance.
Recently, the IFCC Ethics Committee was asked, as a priority, to develop ethical guidelines for the Federation’s scientific activities and publications. This general ethical framework, based on well-established international guidelines, such as the Declaration of Helsinki is eagerly awaited. The ability of the scientific community to regulate itself is critical to the maintenance of the public trust. Adherence to ethical guidelines is the basis of the professional responsibilities and commitments in the pursuit of knowledge.

At time that synthetic biology is emerging, would it not be the time to promote an IFCC/EFCC debate on ethics related to this subject?  Ethical, legal and political governance is needed in order to secure that the interests of science and society are equally respected, always remembering that science serves mankind.

Edited by Edgard Delvin PhD, FCACB, FACB
Editor