Network hails human genome project completion

Network hails human genome project completion – sounds word of warning

“The completion of the first stage of the human genome project is wonderful news, which holds great promise for finding cures to many of the illnesses which afflict people today,” the Chairman of the New Zealand Life Sciences Network (Inc), Dr William Rolleston, said today.

“This discovery is of special interest for New Zealand because of the deliberations of the Royal Commission, which start in earnest next month.”

“The ability for New Zealanders to gain the benefits of overseas, and local, discoveries derived from the knowledge the human genome project has brought us, will be determined in large measure by the outcome of the Royal Commission’s deliberations.”

“We must ensure we don’t isolate ourselves from the scientific advances, which study of the human genome will bring, and we must also make sure we don’t impose a regulatory regime, which makes it impossible for our local scientists to continue their research into the human genome and other genomes, such as plant and animal genomes,” concluded Dr Rolleston.

For further information, contact:

Dr William Rolleston Francis Wevers
Interim Chairman Executive Director

Phone 03 612 6688 Phone 04 916 0100
Mobile 025 2460634 Mobile 021 916010

Date: Wednesday, 28 June 2000

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