DURC Archives | ABSA International

Replication Efficiency of Contemporary Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus Isolates in Human Nasal Epithelium Model

CDC / Emerging Infectious Diseases

5 May 2026

Genotype D1.1 H5N1 viruses replicate significantly more efficiently in human nasal epithelium organoids than genotype B3.13. This finding has direct biosafety implications for laboratory workers: D1.1 strains pose greater occupational infection risk and may require enhanced containment measures beyond current BSL-3 enhanced (Ag) standards. Dual-use research of concern (DURC) policies apply. Biosafety officers at labs conducting avian influenza research should review containment adequacy for D1.1 strains.

keywords: BSL-3 enhanced, DURC, genotype-specific containment, H5N1 D1.1, human nasal epithelium, Influenza Virus, laboratory safety, select agent, zoonotic influenza

The COVID pandemic spurred a revision of US pathogen research rules. Will it help? (NEW 7/8, Website, News)

Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

17 June 2024

Gillum D, et al.
The US government issued a long-awaited policy update last month intended to better manage the hazards associated with risky biological research.

keywords: biosecurity, covid-19, Dual Use, DURC, pandemic, Wuhan lab

Biosecurity Policy (Website, Regulation/Guidance)

NIH

keywords: biosecurity, Dual Use, DURC, Gain of Function

Widening the Framework for Regulation of Dual-Use Research in the Wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic (Document, Publication)

University of Oxford/Stanford University

This analysis of publicly available data on publications, preprints, and clinical trials coupled with the Global Health Security Index measure of dual-use oversight suggests that some research activities raise dualuse concerns that have gone unaddressed.

keywords: covid-19, DURC

Bioethics Training: Guiding Principles to Promote a Culture of Biosafety, Biosecurity, and Responsible Conduct in the Life Sciences (PDF, Training)

Federal Experts Security Advisory Panel (FESAP)

15 January 2017

keywords: bioethics, DURC, guide

Culture of Biosafety, Biosecurity, and Responsible Conduct in the Life Sciences (PDF, Template, Training)

International Working Group on Strengthening the Culture of Biosafety, Biosecurity, and Responsible Conduct in the Life Sciences

(Self) Assessment Framework (PDF) and accompanying excel template (PDF)

keywords: bioethics, DURC, template

Proposed Framework for the Oversight of Dual Use Life Sciences Research: Strategies for Minimizing the Potential Misuse of Research Information (PDF)

NSABB

1 June 2007