Experts combined surveys with the general population, working groups and meetings of professionals in the field, and in-depth interviews to complete this report regarding animals containing human materials (ACHM)–animals genetically manipulated to carry the traits of human animals. The report concludes that most research involving ACHM is justifiable, but that some research is cause for concern.

Excerpt from study summary:

“We considered whether the creation of ACHM might pose particular safety issues, for example through the close combination of human and animal tissue allowing opportunities for viral reactivation, as well as the potential consequences of accidental or deliberate release of ACHM from containment. We concluded that risks are very low, but not zero, and that scientists, research institutions and regulators should remain alert to these risks and take appropriate precautions.”
“To consider the distinctive ethical issues raised by ACHM, we drew from broader ethical perspectives: concerns about animal welfare and human dignity, and considerations arising from our stewardship responsibility towards animals. We considered how the portrayal of animal–human entities in literature and culture influences societal values. While recognising that, as with any research, positive outcomes cannot be predicted, and timescales from research to application may be long, we concluded that, in our view, research involving ACHM can in general be justified by the prospect of facilitating novel insights into human biology, and treatments for serious human disorders.”

“We recommend that ACHM research should be classified in three categories, which would determine the level of regulatory scrutiny required prior to authorisation:”

1. “The great majority of ACHM experiments pose no novel issues and should continue to be regulated through the same procedures as other research involving animals.”
2. “A limited number of types of ACHM research should be permitted subject to additional specialist scrutiny by a national expert body. We outline a graded approach that should be considered for research in this category.”
3. “A very narrow range of ACHM experiments should not currently be undertaken, because they raise very strong ethical concerns and lack sufficient scientific justification.”

The full report is available for download at the link below.