- “I have not planned or proposed such experiments for approval since we have not completed the current experiments and therefore do not yet know which genes might be best to transfer.” [Bold added for emphasis].Analysis of the accuracy of the statement by Dr. Moss: This statement is materially misleading.While Dr. Moss personally did not propose such an experiment for approval, a researcher in his lab and under his supervision did include such an experiment in the 2015 submission before the IBC. The statement is also misleading for again suggesting the research approach was in only one direction, and that going in the direction of clade I to clade II was contingent on the results of experiments from the other direction. The research approach presented to the IBC was concurrent and bidirectional.
In his written statement[1] for the September 21, 2023, meeting, Dr. Steven Holland, Director of the Division of Intramural Research at NIAID, wrote:
- [Dr. Moss] “has not at any point pursued transferring genes from the more virulent strain into the less virulent strain, nor has he made specific plans to do so.” [Bold added for emphasis].Analysis of the accuracy of the statement by Dr. Holland: This statement is materially misleading.It suggests that Dr. Moss and his team never pursued a research approach involving the direction of transferring genes from clade I into clade II. The 2015 IBC meeting minutes show that Dr. Moss’ team sought approval that included this approach. The IBC meeting minutes indicated that the Moss team had taken preparatory steps for this research proposal by inserting reporter genes into the virus and by making certain deletions/mutations in five genes considered the most likely to be responsible for differences in virulence.
- ↑ Written Statement of Dr. Steven Holland for E&C Committee Staff Interview, (Sept. 21, 2023) (included in Appendix II).
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