� Joint Statement by President Clinton and Prime Minister Tony Blair

of the United Kingdom

 

 

� March 14, 2000

 

 

� In the last decade of the twentieth century, scientists from around

the world initiated one of the most significant scientific projects

of all time: to determine the DNA sequence of the entire human

genome, the human genetic blueprint. Progressing ahead of schedule,

human genome research is rapidly advancing our understanding of the

causes of human disease and will serve as the foundation for

development of a new generation of effective treatments,

preventions, and cures.

 

 

� To realize the full promise of this research, raw fundamental data

on the human genome, including the human DNA sequence and its

variations, should be made freely available to scientists

everywhere. Unencumbered access to this information will promote

discoveries that will reduce the burden of disease, improve health

around the world, and enhance the quality of life for all humankind.

Intellectual property protection for genebased inventions will also

play an important role in stimulating the development of important

new health care products.

 

 

� We applaud the decision by scientists working on the Human Genome

Project to release raw fundamental information about the human DNA

sequence and its variants rapidly into the public domain, and we

commend other scientists around the world to adopt this policy.

 

 

� NOTE: An original was not available for verification of the content

of this joint statement.