Text: Clinton and Blair Issue Joint Statement on Human Genome

(Say research data should be freely available to scientists) (350) 



President Clinton and British Prime Minister Tony Blair say that
fundamental research data on the human genome -- the human genetic
blueprint -- should be made freely available to scientists around the
world.


In a joint statement released March 14, the two world leaders said
"unencumbered access" to this data will promote discoveries that
reduce the burden of disease and enhance the quality of life for all
humankind.


Following is the text of the joint statement:



(begin text)

 

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary



March 14, 2000



JOINT STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT CLINTON AND PRIME MINISTER TONY BLAIR OF
THE U.K.


In the last decade of the twentieth century, scientists from around
the world initiated one of the most significant scientific projects of
all time: to determine the DNA sequence of the entire human genome,
the human genetic blueprint. Progressing ahead of schedule, human
genome research is rapidly advancing our understanding of the causes
of human disease and will serve as the foundation for development of a
new generation of effective treatments, preventions, and cures.


To realize the full promise of this research, raw fundamental data on
the human genome, including the human DNA sequence and its variations,
should be made freely available to scientists everywhere. Unencumbered
access to this information will promote discoveries that will reduce
the burden of disease, improve health around the world, and enhance
the quality of life for all humankind. Intellectual property
protection for gene-based inventions will also play an important role
in stimulating the development of important new health care products.


We applaud the decision by scientists working on the Human Genome
Project to release raw fundamental information about the human DNA
sequence and its variants rapidly into the public domain, and we
commend other scientists around the world to adopt this policy.


(end text)



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Department of State. Web site: usinfo.state.gov)