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Project Genetic Engineering and the Environment // Background Information Videos

Testbiotech shows increasing number of patents on food plants and New GE

Gene Drive - intervention in the "germline" of natural diversity

The use of genetic engineering in agriculture requires a comprehensive technology assessment

New Testbiotech report

22 March 2023 / The introduction of transgenic plants into agriculture around 30 years ago was accompanied by many promises of benefits and high expectations, most of which have either not or only partially been realised. At the same time, there have been hardly any systematic or independent studies to objectively assess the actual impact of the transgenic plants on agriculture.

Gene Drives: Target Malaria is underestimating the risks

Plans for releases of transgenic mosquitoes are based on flawed data

17 March 2023 / The Target Malaria consortium has for several years been planning to conduct field trials using genetically engineered mosquitoes in Burkina Faso. The aim is to transfer artificial gene constructs, i. e. the so-called ‘X-shredder’, into wild populations of the mosquitoes. This gene construct is meant to reduce the number of female offspring, and thus bring about a decline in the overall population of mosquitoes (Anopheles gambiae) known to transmit malaria.

Direct move from biotech industry to the EU Commission

Former EuropaBio Communications manager now works as Media and Communications adviser for DG Environment

Date / A communications officer previously employed by EuropaBio now acts as Media and Communications Adviser in the Cabinet of Virginijus Sinkevičius, the EU Commissioner for Environment. Therefore, Corporate Europe Observatory (CEO) and Testbiotech, in a joint letter to the Commission, raise concerns about this new case of ‘revolving doors’ between biotech industry and EU institutions.

No patent on ‘Alzheimer Apes’

Partial success for Testbiotech

2 February 2023 / A patent covering genetically engineered ‘Alzheimer apes’ has been significantly restricted after Testbiotech filed an opposition. The ‘Alzheimer’ animals were meant for use in pharmaceutical research. Originally, the patent (EP3066203) granted by the European Patent Office (EPO) in 2020, covered all rodents and non-human primates up to and including great apes, in which genetic engineering is used to induce certain symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. The opposition division at the EPO has now restricted the patent to use on rats and mice.