The UK's human genetics government watchdog is set to recommend new controls on predictive genetic tests sold direct to the public. The Human Genetics Commission (HGC) considered the findings of its recent public consultation on the issues surrounding such tests at its quarterly meeting, held last Wednesday. Chair Baroness Helena Kennedy said that following these discussions, it seemed likely that 'the HGC will recommend a mixture of new controls and safeguards, according to the seriousness of the test'.
News reports published before the meeting suggested that the regulation of all DIY genetic tests would be left to the companies that produce them. In fact, the HGC is likely to recommend that predictive tests for serious diseases should only be accessible after a medical consultation. Other tests, such as those produced by UK firm Sciona, that offer dietary and lifestyle advice, may be more widely available. The HGC will probably recommend that the new Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHPRA) should be responsible for making such decisions. Dr Helen Wallace of the pressure group GeneWatch UK said the proposals were a welcome step towards proper regulation of the industry. The HGC is expected to publish its report and submit final recommendations to ministers by early spring.
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