Q&A: WHO updates guidance on testing genetically modified mosquitoes
Q&A: WHO updates guidance on testing genetically modified mosquitoes
Tags: Gene drive synthetic, Genetically modified mosquitoes, Policy, RegulationE. N. Dreisbach, Healio, 2021.
Researchers have been exploring the use of genetically modified mosquitos as a potential control method for vector-borne diseases. Just last month, Oxitec began releasing its genetically modified (GM), self-limiting male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in the Florida Keys in the hope of reducing the mosquito population.This month, WHO released the second edition of its guidance for testing GM mosquitos (GMMs), updating guidelines that were originally released in 2014. We spoke with Jan Kolaczinski, PhD, MSc, head of the vector control and insecticide resistance unit in WHO’s Global Malaria Program, about the new guidance and what it means for researchers.
