House GOP probes University of Wisconsin for ‘gain of function’ study.
Investigation Launched into Potentially Dangerous Virus Research at University of Wisconsin, Madison
Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) has brought a conflict at the state level into the national spotlight by launching an investigation into the University of Wisconsin, Madison’s research on viruses with pandemic-causing potential. This investigation has raised concerns about the safety of gain-of-function research, which involves manipulating existing viruses to acquire new qualities.
State Legislators Introduce Bill to Regulate Research
In August, three Republican state legislators in Wisconsin introduced a bill that aimed to prevent universities and colleges from conducting gain-of-function research. The bill also proposed that researchers submit safety reports to the state Department of Health Services prior to beginning research on potential pandemic pathogens.
Letter to University Chancellor
As chairman of the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, Rep. Wenstrup sent a letter to the university chancellor, Jennifer Mnookin, expressing concerns about the university’s opposition to the proposed law. He highlighted several safety violations in the institution’s handling of research on potential pandemic pathogens since 2011.
“UW has already shown it has the capabilities to modify pathogens and make them more dangerous,” Wenstrup wrote. He cited an incident in 2011 where a researcher modified the avian H5N1 influenza virus to spread between ferrets, which closely resemble human response to the flu. The H5N1 virus is a potential pandemic pathogen that, through modification or mishandling, could cause another global pandemic.”
Rep. Wenstrup also mentioned an incident in 2013 where a researcher was accidentally infected with the H5N1 virus due to unauthorized use of a needle. Despite the university’s assurance of a designated quarantine apartment, the infected researcher had to quarantine at home while their family stayed in a hotel.
University’s Response
UW spokeswoman Kelly Tyrrell emphasized that the university has multiple layers of oversight for research on potential pandemic pathogens. She stated that the ability to study harmful viruses and pathogens safely is crucial for public health and food supply protection. However, Tyrrell did not respond to the Washington Examiner’s request for comment.
Controversy Surrounding Gain-of-Function Research
The controversy surrounding gain-of-function and research on potential pandemic pathogens is partly due to their potential connection to the origins of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. Some speculate that SARS-CoV-2 originated from the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China, which has been criticized for its poor safety standards.
Tom Still from the Wisconsin Technology Council opposed the proposed state legislation, stating that while there are risks associated with gain-of-function experiments, it is important not to hinder important research or disadvantage Wisconsin scientists.
Request for Documents and Communications
In his letter to Chancellor Mnookin, Rep. Wenstrup requested all documents and communications related to the university’s research on potential pandemic pathogens and Dual Use Research of Concern. These documents are expected to be provided to the subcommittee by September 15. Specifically, Wenstrup requested communications between university researchers, the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and EcoHealth Alliance, an organization that funds gain-of-function research.
The Democrats on the subcommittee declined to comment on the investigation when approached by the Washington Examiner.
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