Publication Date
1-23-2024
Journal
Journal of Virology
DOI
10.1128/jvi.01791-23
PMID
38168672
PMCID
PMC10804978
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
1-3-2024
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-print
Published Open-Access
yes
Keywords
Humans, Containment of Biohazards, COVID-19, United States, Viruses, Virology, Biomedical Research, COVID-19, virology, SARS-CoV-2, oversight, biosafety, emergence
Abstract
In the United States (US), biosafety and biosecurity oversight of research on viruses is being reappraised. Safety in virology research is paramount and oversight frameworks should be reviewed periodically. Changes should be made with care, however, to avoid impeding science that is essential for rapidly reducing and responding to pandemic threats as well as addressing more common challenges caused by infectious diseases. Decades of research uniquely positioned the US to be able to respond to the COVID-19 crisis with astounding speed, delivering life-saving vaccines within a year of identifying the virus. We should embolden and empower this strength, which is a vital part of protecting the health, economy, and security of US citizens. Herein, we offer our perspectives on priorities for revised rules governing virology research in the US.
Included in
Biological Phenomena, Cell Phenomena, and Immunity Commons, Clinical Epidemiology Commons, Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, COVID-19 Commons, Diseases Commons, Epidemiology Commons, Pediatrics Commons, Tropical Medicine Commons