GE medicine derived from human/mouse hybrid gene

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GMW: GM medicine from human/mouse hybrid gene

" GM WATCH " <info

Wed, 22 Mar 2006 13:46:24 GMT

 

 

 

GM WATCH daily

http://www.gmwatch.org

 

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" It is possible that the severe symptoms the six men are experiencing

are unanticipated side effects of the genetic engineering process, and

this needs to be fully explored, "

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GE medicine derived from human/mouse hybrid gene

Press release, 22 March 2006

 

Green MP Sue Kedgley is calling for assurances that no drug trials

involving GE medicines are being carried out in New Zealand without

participants being informed that the drug is genetically engineered.

 

Her call follows confirmation that the medicine (TGN1412) that has left

six men in London seriously ill, including a New Zealander, was

genetically engineered and is derived from a human/mouse hybrid gene.

 

Professor Peter Wills of Auckland University has confirmed this after

searching the original patents that were granted for this medicine.

 

Ms Kedgley says trials involving genetically engineered medicines are

inherently more risky than other drug trials because of the possibility

that unintended side effects could occur.

 

" It is possible that the severe symptoms the six men are experiencing

are unanticipated side effects of the genetic engineering process, and

this needs to be fully explored, " she says.

 

" In the meantime it is essential that all participants in drug trials

are informed whenever genetically engineered medicines are involved, so

that volunteers are aware of the increased risk. I am seeking

government assurance that this is the case. "

 

Ms Kedgley says it is also important that all medicines which are

derived from a genetically engineered process are labelled as such.

 

" Consumers have a right to know when medicines they are taking are

derived from GE, just as they are entitled to know whether food

contains GE

ingredients in it or not. "

 

Sue Kedgley MP

Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand

Room 8.06 Bowen House

Parliament Buildings, Wellington

Ph: 04-470-6717 Fax: 04-472-6003

Email: sue.kedgley

 

 

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