Challenges in governance of Synthetic Biology: Biorisk assessment.

Synthetic biology is an emerging area of research representing one of the finest example of culmination of various engineering principles to biology resulting in multi-dimensional implications for humans. In other terms, as with any technology, synthetic biology presents plausible opportunities as well as potential risks. Commercialisation of synthetic biology-oriented products requires critical analysis to outweigh the probable risks. Synthetic biology based processes and products have been considered to be regulated under biotechnology regulatory framework due to existing overlap at various levels in the two fields. However, with ever widening scope and impact of synthetic biology, several nations have enacted various guidelines to regulate synthetic biology research. Outbreak of COVID-19 and various speculations about its origin has further attracted global attention to address bio risk concerns of synthetic biology. Therefore, the present study focuses on biosecurity, bioterrorism, and ethical aspects of synthetic biology, emphasising the urgent need for policymaking in this regard in India. In addition, role of various agencies in regulating synthetic biology has been reviewed. Furthermore, position of India in the synthetic biology race has been also assessed towards the end of the study.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]