Research calves spared in GM case

The six genetically modified calves at the centre of the AgResearch human-genes-in-cows argument will survive following a decision by the Environmental Risk Management Authority yesterday.

While the decision angered opponents of genetic engineering, Ruakura researchers said they were elated

The authority approved, with controls, AgResearch's experiment to insert a human gene into cows to produce human protein myelin in their milk.

Six cows, carrying calves implanted with the protein, believed to help multiple sclerosis sufferers, will calve next month.

Their fate was questioned after a High Court ruling threw the experiment into doubt.

Two judges had set aside the authority's approval, given in July, saying that the authority did not follow the proper steps when granting the application.

But yesterday the authority chief executive, Dr Bas Walker, said a special committee decided 3-1 that the benefits of the experiment outweighed the risks, provided there were controls.

The calves are due to be born next month at an outdoor contained facility at Ruakura.

The authority committee comprised three authority staff and an outside expert on Maori culture, who voted against approval. Authority staff advised the committee that no new information was needed to assist decision-making because there was none.

The researchers placed 51 embryos in 51 cows, and it recorded 45 failed pregnancies. Dr Walker said the committee was mindful of the court's judgment in reaching the decision announced yesterday.

Greens co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons said she was disappointed at the decision. The authority had hurried to beat a May 28 deadline imposed by the High Court.

Overseas research showed that myelin could be made synthetically, she said, and AgResearch claims that it could be used to treat multiple sclerosis were unproven.

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