Government's Response Will Facilitate Research And Benefit Patients, UK

Main Category: Genetics
Article Date: 10 Oct 2007 - 5:00 PDT

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The Genetic Interest Group (GIG) the national alliance for families affected by genetic disorders, welcomes the release of the governments response to the Joint Committee on the HumanTissue and Embryos (draft) Bill.

Alastair Kent, Director of GIG, commented, " Now that the HFEA has the power to license human animal hybrid research of all types, we hope that there will be no further delays to valuable research streams that hold such potential for patients living with genetic conditions. We are delighted that the government has listened to the opinion and views of patients, and reacted positively"

- The Genetic Interest Group (GIG) is a national alliance of organisations with a membership of over 130 charities that support children, families and individuals affected by genetic disorders.

- Our primary goal is to promote awareness and understanding of genetic disorders so that high quality services for people affected by genetic conditions are developed and made available to all who need them.

- Individually, many genetic conditions are rare and as such it is difficult to raise their profile and the needs of those affected by them. GIG provides a common platform from which effective programmes to raise awareness, inform the media and influence government, industry and the NHS can be launched

- As an organisation focusing on issues of policy and practice GIG keeps an active watch on developments in the UK and Europe that will influence the effective transfer of knowledge and understanding into products and services for families that are supported by our member groups.

- In a potentially controversial field like genetics GIG provides a strong voice advocating the benefits of scientific progress in understanding the contribution being made now and that will be made in the years to come for improving health and combating many currently incurable diseases.

Genetic Interest Group

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