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14 December 2018 -- WHO is establishing a global multi-disciplinary expert panel to examine the scientific, ethical, social and legal challenges associated with human genome editing (both somatic and germ cell). The panel will review the current literature on the state of the research and its applications, and societal attitudes towards the different uses of this technology. WHO will then receive advice from the panel on appropriate oversight and governance mechanisms, both at the national and global level. Core to this work will be understanding how to promote transparency and trustworthy practices and how to ensure appropriate risk/benefit assessments are performed prior to any decision on authorization.

The recent application of tools such as CRISPR-Cas9 to edit the human genome have highlighted the need for the development of standards in this area. WHO’s expert working group will work in a consultative manner and build on existing initiatives. As WHO proceeds, we are liaising with relevant UN and other international agencies, and are in communication with Academies of Science and Medicine as well as with bodies that have produced previous reports.

The World Health Organization (WHO) established a global, multidisciplinary expert advisory committee (the Expert Advisory Committee on Developing Global Standards for Governance and Oversight of Human Genome Editing, hereafter called the Committee) to examine the scientific, ethical, social and legal challenges associated with human genome editing (somatic, that is, non-heritable; germline, involving in vitro studies on early embryos, gametes or their precursors; and heritable, where embryos subject to genome editing are used to establish pregnancies and obtain individuals who could pass on the edit to their offspring).). The Committee includes members from Africa, the Americas, South-East Asia, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean and Western Pacific.

The Committee was tasked to advise and make recommendations on appropriate institutional, national, regional and global governance mechanisms for human genome editing. During the course of its work, the Committee reviewed the current literature on human genome editing research and its applications, considered existing proposals for governance and relevant ongoing initiatives, and gathered information on a range of topics relating to the different uses of this technology.

The Committee consulted widely with individuals and representatives of organizations including, but not limited to, United Nations (UN) and other international agencies, academies of science and medicine as well as other national or professional bodies, patient groups and civil society organizations. These consultations explored how best to promote transparent and trustworthy policies and practices and ensure appropriate assessments of work prior to it being undertaken.

The Committee was formed after an open call for members. Members served in an independent and personal capacity and represent a broad range of disciplines, expertise, and experience. All have been assessed for potential conflict of interests by WHO based on information disclosed on the WHO Declaration of Interest form.