NEB Ethics Statement
Molecular biology and recombinant DNA technologies have led to many important discoveries in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, as well as advances in human health. Examples such as the manufacture of synthetic human insulin, the creation of vaccines, development of cancer therapies, sequencing and detection of viruses, and advances in personalized medicine have all helped to improve our quality of life. Further, molecular biology techniques have played a major role in facilitating criminal investigations, helping consumer products to be more efficient and eco-friendly, and establishing improved methods for processing of various foods, such as yogurt and cheese.
New England Biolabs (NEB) is committed to practicing ethical science – we believe it is our responsibility as researchers to ask the important questions that when answered will help preserve our well-being, as well as that of the world that we live in. However, this research should always be done in a safe and ethical manner. Our position on specific topics relating to practicing ethical science is included below.
Healthy scientific debate
NEB is committed to ensuring its staff, and our scientists and collaborators in particular, can engage in healthy, productive, and respectful scientific discourse — which serves as the framework for scientific progress — without the threat of retaliation or silencing.
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
GMOs have been used for decades to produce diagnostic and therapeutic agents, including treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, leukemia, breast cancer, and metastatic cancers, as well as to produce recombinant insulin. As such, with proper research and regulatory oversight, GMOs are positively impacting people’s lives and well-being.
GMOs have additionally expanded our understanding of agriculture and food science, making them especially impactful in countries with food shortages. Experience to date, which includes animal consumption of GMOs, such as soybeans, and human consumption of genetically modified papaya, eggplants, and other food crops, has led to zero problems being reported. While safety is always a concern, we know of no reason to currently consider that GMO crops carry any more risk than traditionally bred crops.
At NEB, we encourage scientists to continue to work to improve the food industry through active discussions with scientific peers, the public, and regulatory authorities, and to bring GMO products to market, especially in the developing world.
Molecular Testing for the Cannabis Industry
As a research-based commercial organization that is primarily focused on developing quality enzymes and reagents for molecular biology applications, NEB strongly supports and encourages integrated and evidence-based approaches for the discovery and use of any beneficial pharmaceutical agents.
Bioterrorism
Biological agents that can cause harm to humans, animals and/or the environment, should never be used to intimidate or coerce a government, a civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives. Therefore, NEB does not support any form of biological warfare or bioterrorism and will not knowingly allow the sale of its products to anyone for such use.
Germline Gene Editing
Since the safety and efficacy of CRISPR/Cas9 for human therapeutics have not been firmly established, premature use of genome editing jeopardizes acceptance of this promising advance in science and medicine.
As a leading provider of the tools used for CRISPR research, NEB does not support the use of genome editing in human germline tissues or embryos and will not knowingly allow the sale of its products to anyone for such use.
Genetic Profiling
Advances in molecular biology have fueled the development of DNA forensics. The use of DNA forensics to rapidly identify or eliminate suspects from criminal investigations, and to identify the victims of natural and man-made disasters, has had a major impact on society’s awareness of the power of genomics. These applications, as well as the use of these technologies to study the evolution of mankind and its global migration patterns, are both supported and encouraged by NEB.
Unfortunately, these same technologies can also be used to profile individuals whether it be based on ethnicity, race, sex or other genetic traits, and then used to single them out for persecution or discrimination. NEB does not support such practices and will not knowingly allow the sale of its products to anyone for such use.
Unregulated Biohacking
Individuals who use biohacking or DIY (“do-it-yourself”) molecular biology techniques outside of a regulated environment to develop therapeutics and diagnostic tests, or alter their own bodies, typically forgo the stringent review and/or key toxicity tests that are required to ensure patient safety. Therefore, without rigorous laboratory and clinical testing, it is very difficult to predict how these will affect the human condition. It is important that clinically-relevant experiments are designed and performed in line with the appropriate laboratory and ethical guidelines, which are typically best understood by professionals in the field and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
As a leading provider of research use only (RUO) reagents, some of which could potentially be used for unregulated biohacking, NEB does not support such practices.
Peer review
NEB supports and encourages the use of peer-reviewed literature to disseminate scientific findings and the use of the peer review process to assess the quality and reliability of research results.
Ethical use of NEB’s products
While NEB cannot control the use of its products following sale, the company makes every effort to ensure that customers understand they are designed and developed for research use only. Additionally, NEB is committed to following all laws and legislation around the sale of reagents. In accordance with the United States Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, NEB will not sell to the following countries: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, and certain conflict regions of Ukraine.
To learn about the appropriate level of conduct NEB expects from suppliers, in addition to our commitment to conducting business with integrity and in accordance with sustainability considerations, read NEB’s Supplier Code of Conduct.