The NSABB Recommendations: Rationale, Impact, and Implications

The National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) has recommended that two scientific papers concerning the laboratory adaptation of avian H5N1 influenza virus to mammal-to-mammal respiratory transmission restrict their content to prevent others from replicating their work. After hearing from experts in the field of influenza research and public health, the benefits of the research were deemed less important than the potential negative consequences. The evaluation followed established NSABB procedures and prior policy recommendations for identifying dual use research of concern (DURC). This recommendation was received by the United States Government, endorsed and forwarded to the research teams and scientific journals involved with the publications.