U.S. White House Policy Tightens Regulation on Synthetic DNA

May 8, 2024, 08:43 AM

The U.S. government is intensifying its efforts to regulate synthetic DNA, a move supported by industry leaders and biosecurity experts. A new White House policy aims to standardize the screening processes across companies like Twist Bioscience that produce and distribute synthetic DNA. This initiative seeks to prevent misuse by ensuring that providers verify both the sequences ordered and the credentials of those ordering them. Emily Leproust of Twist Bioscience welcomed the policy, emphasizing the ethical responsibility in promoting responsible research and rigorous screening of synthetic DNA.