New NIH Guidelines Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules

April 5, 2024

The NIH has published revisions to the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (NIH Guidelines). These revisions are specific for research involving gene drive modified organisms (GDMOs) in research settings. These revisions include:

• Research with GDMOs requires IBC review and approval PRIOR to initiation.
• The minimum containment level for research involving GDMOs will be BSL-2.
• When a researcher at an institution conducts research involving GDMOs, the institution must ensure that the IBC has adequate expertise on the committee as well as a BSO (biosafety officer).

Clemson’s Office or Research Compliance will be updating the e-form in InfoEd to reflect the category for this research (III-D-8).