The governance and use of genetically modified animals across countries

In a 2023 Protocol Review, US respondents addressed a scenario1 wherein genetically modified animals (GMAs) were donated to an investigator and used for an unrelated study. In the US, the production and subsequent management of GMAs are governed by specific regulations (PHS Policy, NIH Guidelines), and GMAs that are not used for the intended research would not qualify for other research activities. To better understand how GMAs are governed in institutions located outside of the US, we asked two experts – Sara Wells (UK) and Francina Langa Vives (France) – about their experience.