    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [March 14, 2000]
    [Page 462]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 462]]

    Joint Statement by President Clinton and Prime Minister Tony
    Blair of the United Kingdom on Availability of
    Human Genome Data
    March 14, 2000

        In the last decade of the twentieth century, scientists from around
    the world initiated one of the most significant scientific projects of
    all time: to determine the DNA sequence of the entire human genome, the
    human genetic blueprint. Progressing ahead of schedule, human genome
    research is rapidly advancing our understanding of the causes of human
    disease and will serve as the foundation for development of a new
    generation of effective treatments, preventions, and cures.
        To realize the full promise of this research, raw fundamental data
    on the human genome, including the human DNA sequence and its
    variations, should be made freely available to scientists everywhere.
    Unencumbered access to this information will promote discoveries that
    will reduce the burden of disease, improve health around the world, and
    enhance the quality of life for all humankind. Intellectual property
    protection for gene-based inventions will also play an important role in
    stimulating the development of important new health care products.
        We applaud the decision by scientists working on the Human Genome
    Project to release raw fundamental information about the human DNA
    sequence and its variants rapidly into the public domain, and we commend
    other scientists around the world to adopt this policy.

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement.