Lab-Made DNA Boom: Unregulated Growth of Synthetic DNA Market

Shares of DNA synthesis companies have been on the rise in recent years, with the global market expected to reach $2.4 billion by 2027. This growth has been fueled by advancements in technology and decreasing costs, making it easier and more affordable for researchers, scientists, and even individuals to order custom DNA sequences online. The ease with which DNA synthesis can be accessed has raised concerns about the potential misuse of this technology. In 2006, James Randerson, a journalist for The Guardian, ordered a sequence of smallpox DNA, highlighting the lax customer screening policies of DNA synthesis companies. Smallpox is one of the deadliest infections in human history, killing about 500 million people over three millennia, with 300 million of those deaths estimated to have occurred in the last century alone. According to experts, the lack of effective regulations and oversight in the DNA synthesis industry has created a "Wild West" environment, where anyone can order potentially hazardous biological agents, including those that could be used as bioterrorism agents. "The DNA synthesis industry has grown exponentially, but the regulatory framework has not kept pace," said Dr. Elizabeth Wilson, a biosecurity expert at the University of California, Berkeley. "This has created a situation where anyone can access potentially hazardous biological agents with relative ease." The industry has largely relied on self-regulation, with companies implementing their own guidelines and policies for customer screening. However, these measures have been criticized as inadequate, with many companies failing to verify the identity or intentions of their customers. "The current system is based on a honor system, where companies trust that their customers will use the DNA they order responsibly," said Dr. Wilson. "However, this approach has been shown to be ineffective in preventing the misuse of DNA synthesis technology." The lack of effective regulations has also raised concerns about the potential for DNA synthesis to be used in bioterrorism attacks. In 2012, a group of researchers demonstrated the feasibility of synthesizing the H5N1 influenza virus, which has a high mortality rate in humans. The study highlighted the potential risks associated with DNA synthesis and the need for more stringent regulations. Despite these concerns, the DNA synthesis industry continues to grow, with companies like Twist Bioscience and IDT offering a range of DNA synthesis services, including custom DNA sequences and gene editing tools. These companies have implemented various measures to ensure the safe and responsible use of their products, including customer screening and verification processes. However, experts argue that more needs to be done to address the potential risks associated with DNA synthesis. "The DNA synthesis industry needs to be regulated more effectively to prevent the misuse of this technology," said Dr. Wilson. "This includes implementing stricter customer screening policies, as well as providing education and training to researchers and scientists on the responsible use of DNA synthesis technology." As the DNA synthesis industry continues to grow, it remains to be seen whether regulators will be able to keep pace with the rapid advancements in technology. In the meantime, experts warn that the potential risks associated with DNA synthesis must be taken seriously, and that more needs to be done to prevent the misuse of this powerful technology.