Global Governing Bodies: A Pathway for Gene Drive Governance for Vector Mosquito Control

Abstract

Gene drive technologies represent powerful tools to develop vector control strategies that will complement the current approaches to mitigate arthropod-borne infectious diseases. The characteristics of gene drive technologies have raised additional concerns to those for standard genetically engineered organisms. This generates a need for adaptive governance that has not been met yet because of the rapid rate of progress in gene drive research. For the eventual release of gene drive insects into wild populations, an international governance network would be helpful in guiding scientists, stakeholders, public opinion, and affected communities in its use. We examined the current institutions and governing bodies among various continents that could have an impact on gene drive governance or the potential to adapt to its future use. Possible governance strategies also are proposed that seek to bridge gaps and promote an ethically sound policy framework. Ideally, governance strategies should be developed before or at the same pace as gene drive research to anticipate field releases and maximize their impact as a public health tool. However, this is not likely to happen as it takes years to develop global accords, and some countries may choose to move ahead independently on the new technology.

Potential use of gene drive modified insects against disease vectors, agricultural pests and invasive species poses new challenges for risk assessment

“…These risk concerns and associated risk assessment challenges have prompted some non-governmental organizations, parliamentarians, scientists and scientific bodies to call for either strict application of the precautionary principle or a (global) moratorium on GD research and GDMO releases [102,103]. Calls have also been made for a better understanding of the potential ecological and evolutionary impacts associated with GDMO releases, the phased testing of engineered GDs and their responsible and sustainable deployment, effective engagement of relevant stakeholders, and the implementation of regional approaches facilitating international governance of GDMOs that may spread across jurisdictional boundaries [9,16,25,[104][105][106][107][108][109]. For example, in its recent position statement on the evaluation of GM mosquitoes for the control of vector-borne diseases, the WHO emphasized the need to evaluate the potential of new genetic control technologies (including the use of engineered GDs) to contribute to reducing the global burden of vector-borne diseases, while following a stepwise approach in the evaluation process [8].…”

Lessons learned from the introduction of genetically engineered crops: relevance to gene drive deployment in Africa

“…The apparent novelty of gene drives also places doubt on the adequacy of governance mechanisms for this technology, especially for national approaches. Challenges to proper governance of this technology has been acknowledged by governments and research groups (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine 2016; Adelman et al 2017;Delborne et al 2018), and has highlighted the need for a regional approach to regulation (Marshall 2010;Brown 2017;James et al 2018;Warmbrod et al 2020;Kelsey et al 2020). African scientists have also indicated their concern regarding the ability of existing systems to govern gene drives (Hartley 2021).…”

Gene Drive-Modified Organisms: Developing Practical Risk Assessment Guidance

“…To address these concerns, recommendations on phased testing, responsible and sustainable deployment, and effective engagement of relevant stakeholders have been developed [5][6][7][8]. Moreover, regional approaches facilitating international regulatory oversight and approval have been suggested for governance of GDMOs that may spread across jurisdictional boundaries [9].…”