Cloning viruses: A novel tool for pandemic control or a weapon?

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• November 12, 2021

Scientists are revolutionizing genetic reconstruction to fast-track the development of vaccines through yeast. However, this breakthrough comes with its own set of challenges, including the potential misuse of the technology for creating biological weapons. Balancing these risks and rewards, the technology promises to reshape healthcare, stimulate economic growth in biotechnology, and prompt new political and environmental considerations.

Cloning viruses, context 

In the pursuit of fast-tracking the process of genetic reconstruction, scientists have turned to artificial yeast-based genomics platforms. This approach leverages the unique capabilities of organisms found in brewers' yeast, which can reverse-engineer and assemble RNA or DNA fragments to recreate the original genetic material. This process is crucial as understanding the precise genetic code of a pathogen is the initial step towards the development of effective treatments and vaccines. A 2020 study published in the journal Nature highlighted the importance of this process in the rapid development of potential treatments for diseases, such as COVID-19 and Ebola, where time is a critical factor in controlling their spread.

The choice of yeast as a medium for this process is not arbitrary. Yeasts have proven to be more effective than bacteria due to their larger structures, which enable them to assemble genetic fragments into a comprehensive code. This capability forms the foundation of a process known as transformative associated recombination (TAR).

In simpler terms, yeasts have the ability to take a sample of a pathogenic agent and reproduce an exact copy of its genetic material. This process is similar to creating a blueprint of a building from a single brick. The ability to clone the virus in this manner is not just a scientific curiosity, but a vital tool in the fight against infectious diseases.

Disruptive impact

The ability to rapidly clone pathogenic agents, such as the viruses that cause Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and the Zika virus, could revolutionize the field of vaccine development. By accelerating the process of vaccine creation and distribution, we could potentially prevent the widespread transmission of these diseases and alleviate the severity of symptoms in affected individuals. 

However, the potential misuse of this technology raises serious concerns. The possibility that cloned viruses could become more infectious and deadly than their predecessors introduces the risk of these methods being used to create biological weapons. This development could have catastrophic consequences, leading to large-scale health crises and potential societal disruption. 

Governments and regulatory bodies will need to establish stringent controls and oversight mechanisms to prevent the misuse of this technology. For example, the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction, an international treaty that prohibits the development, production, and stockpiling of biological weapons, could be expanded to specifically address the risks associated with synthetic virus cloning.

Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of TAR technology for virus cloning cannot be overlooked. For companies in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, this technology could open up new avenues for research and development, leading to the creation of more effective treatments and vaccines. For governments, it could provide a powerful tool in the fight against infectious diseases, improving public health outcomes and potentially saving countless lives.

Implications of cloning viruses 

Wider implications of cloning viruses may include:

• Producing and distributing vaccines at much faster rates during pandemics, reducing the need for lockdowns and their impact on the economy.
• Cloned viruses being used to create bioweapons with high rates of transmission and fatality. 
• A potential shift in the global economic landscape, with countries investing heavily in biotechnology and genomics research likely to gain a competitive edge in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.
• The emergence of new political debates and policies around biosecurity, as governments grapple with the need to support scientific innovation while preventing the misuse of virus cloning technology.
• Changes in demographic trends, as improved vaccines and treatments could reduce mortality rates from infectious diseases, potentially leading to longer lifespans and shifts in population structures.
• The acceleration of technological advancements in genomics, as the demand for faster and more efficient virus cloning methods drives innovation and research.
• The creation of new job opportunities in the biotechnology sector, as the demand for skilled researchers and technicians increases.
• Potential environmental implications, as the increased production and disposal of biohazardous materials associated with virus cloning could require new waste management strategies.

Questions to consider

• Do you think there are safety concerns associated with virus cloning (such as accidental leaks)? 
• Should virus cloning be limited to prevent the creation of biological weapons?