Establishing an incentive-based multistakeholder approach to dual-use DNA screening

Abstract

Fast, accessible, and high-quality deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is fundamental to advancement in the life sciences that will drive forward fields such as agriculture, energy, and medicine. Despite their importance in accelerating global progress, bioscience research and biotechnologies can also be misused, endangering humans, animals, and the environment. The ability to accidentally or deliberately endow or enhance the pathogenicity of biological systems is of particular concern. Access to DNA sequences with a clear potential for dual use should be limited to responsible and identifiable groups with legitimate uses. Yet, none of the 195 countries party to the International Health Regulations have national laws that mandate this type of screening. Many DNA providers voluntarily screen orders and absorb increased costs, but this practice is not universally adopted for a variety of reasons. This article explores the incentives and regulatory structures that can bring the screening coverage of DNA orders toward 100%, which may include expedited orders for approved customers, better tools and technology for more efficient screening, funding requirements that grantees use screened DNA, and early education in biosecurity aimed at researchers and students. Ultimately, an incentive-based multistakeholder approach to DNA screening can benefit researchers, industry, and global health security.