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Journal of Austrian Chemistry

Journal for the Chemical Industry in Austria

Archives for December 2019

Academies of sciences and German Research Foundation call for new European genetic engineering legislation

2019-12-04 by Birgit Fischer

In July 2018, the European Court of Justice ruled that the legal regulations for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) apply to all organisms which have been altered using genome editing methods such as CRISPR-Cas. This makes it difficult to study, develop and cultivate improved crops which are urgently needed for productive, climate-adapted and more sustainable agriculture. Today, the National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, the Union of the German Academies of Sciences and Humanities, and the German Research Foundation (DFG) released a public statement to raise awareness of this issue.


They point out that this blanket legal classification of GMOs does not take into account what type of genetic modification is present in a given organism. In the eyes of the science academies and the DFG, this primarily process-based regulatory approach has no rational justification. They have offered recommendations on how European genetic engineering legislation can be amended as a short-term solution and completely renewed in the long term.

By means of genome editing, improved crops can be bred more quickly and targeted than ever before. Nonetheless, many of the modifications that the new varieties carry in their genetic makeup could also emerge randomly or via conventional breeding methods. Oftentimes, it is impossible to attribute the origin of the genetic modification to any breeding method at all. In their statement entitled “Towards a scientifically justified, differentiated regulation of genome edited plants in the EU”, the science academies and the DFG stress that the blanket classification of genome edited plants as GMOs is thus unjustified and impracticable. They advocate for regulation and authorisation processes which are specifically adapted to each individual modification.

Worldwide, the European Court of Justice’s decision affects more than 100 known and (potentially) marketable gene-edited crops offering nutritional and agricultural advantages. These include soya beans with healthier fatty acids, reduced-gluten wheat, bacteria-resistant rice, and mould-resistant types of wine grape, wheat and cacao, as well as drought-tolerant strains of corn, wheat and soya beans. Many countries outside of the European Union have chosen to exclude gene-edited plants, which do not contain genetic information which is foreign to the species, from GMO-specific regulations.

In their joint statement, the Leopoldina, the Union of German Academies and the DFG have drafted recommendations for ensuring science-based regulation of genome edited plants in the EU. These recommendations include the amendment of European genetic engineering legislation. As a short-term measure, the definition of GMOs should be revised so that genome edited organisms are no longer considered GMOs ‒ analogous to plants modified with conventional breeding methods – unless they contain genetic information, which is foreign to the species. Likewise, combinations of genetic information which could also occur in nature or via conventional breeding methods should not be included in the classification of a GMO. However, the statement says that the only viable long-term solution would be to establish a completely new legal framework. In assessing the risks involved for humanity and the environment, the new framework should not focus on the processes in which new plant varieties are created, but rather on their new traits.

Furthermore, the science academies and the DFG are calling for the facilitation of field trials. They believe this is critical, for instance to gain a better understanding of the genetic basis of important attributes such as tolerance to heat, salt and drought. In their statement, the organisations also mention that other initiatives must be pursued to inform consumers about different breeding methods and the resulting products. This knowledge – as well as a consistent system of product labelling – should enable people to make informed decisions about what they purchase.

The science academies and the DFG also point out that genome edited plant varieties can help alleviate shortages of resources and support sustainable agricultural practices. Moreover, they say that the creation of new varieties by way of genome editing is a viable option even for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on account of the technique’s low costs and high efficiency. But the statement highlights that taking advantage of these opportunities would require a differentiated adjustment of the legal regulations for research and approval of the plant varieties created.

Filed Under: News

COMPAMED 2019 finishes with success

2019-12-03 by Birgit Fischer

COMPAMED remains one of the world’s leading marketplaces for medical technology processes and components: this year, 800 international exhibitors from the medical technology supplier industry informed trade visitors comprehensively about technology trends and innovations in the halls 8a and 8b. COMPAMED, which once again took place in synergy with the MEDICA medical trade fair from November 18 to 21 in Düsseldorf, Germany, demonstrated the demand for components for digitalized and mobile medical devices for diagnostics and therapy.


This could also be seen at the largest joint booth of the fair, the Product Market by the IVAM Microtechnology Network. On an area of more than 700 m², 55 international exhibitors presented miniaturized components, high-tech microelectronics, intelligent sensors for smart applications, 3D printing, RFID technologies, high-precision tool coatings and functional coatings as well as microfluidic processes that enable improved diagnostics.

Demand of more powerful and digitalized solutions


The topic of digitalizing medical devices and processes remains highly topical. Especially in the field of mobile diagnostics, mobile therapy devices and laboratory equipment, ever more powerful and digitalized solutions are needed. Miniaturized components and processes that enable ultra-precise manufacturing are a decisive factor for portable and connected devices that monitor vital parameters or medication and transmit and evaluate data.

COMPAMED remains one of the world’s leading marketplaces for medical technology processes and components

Microfluidics enable innovative rapid tests

Another trend topic on the product market was microfluidics, which will enable faster and more precise diagnostics and personalized medication in the future. In just a few years, this technology could, for example, allow uncomplicated rapid tests for the early detection of serious diseases such as certain types of cancer, or could implement drug tests safely and reliably on organs-on-chips in the laboratory, making animal experiments unnecessary.

COMPAMED HIGH-TECH Forum attracted visitors

The accompanying trade forum is regarded as an international meeting place for experts and was again very well received by the visitors: more than 1000 visitors attended the presentations within 11 international sessions on all four days of the fair. The company pitch sessions on “Equipment Manufacturer meets Component Manufacturer” and the session on “Digitalization of Medical Equipment” were particularly well attended.

“The main challenge at the moment is to bring the right component and device manufacturers into contact with each other,” explains Dr. Thomas Dietrich, Managing Director of IVAM. “The COMPAMED consistently offers good opportunities for this, both in our community area and at the COMPAMED HIGH-TECH Forum.

Collaborations with medical technology companies from Japan

The topic of cooperation and business initiation was very present this year at COMPAMED and MEDICA. For example, three well-attended sessions at the forum gave insights into the Japanese research landscape and provided information about medical technology from Japan and potential interests of Japanese companies for the European medical technology market. During COMPAMED, numerous organized business meetings were held at the joint booth of Fukushima Prefecture and initial cooperation was initiated.

Already high demand for 2020

The exhibiting companies and institutes of the IVAM area were again highly satisfied with the visitors of COMPAMED. The majority of exhibitors rated the quantity and quality of the leads as “good” or “excellent”. A number of companies have already registered directly on-site for renewed participation in 2020.

Filed Under: Fairs, News Tagged With: COMPAMED

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