BioWorld International Correspondent

CAMBRIDGE, England - Public appreciation of the benefits of biotechnology in the UK is outweighed by fear of the risks, with widespread anxiety about the pace of change. As a result, "We could end up with overregulation to calm public fears," according to Crispin Kirkman, chief executive of the BioIndustry Association.

"Our job is to explain how the benefits outweigh the risks," he told biotechnology executives here last week at the Third Eastern Region Biotech Initiative Conference. The industry needs to build confidence in the safeguards, engage on ethical issues and campaign to highlight the health benefits, he said.

However, a number of health scares including bovine spongiform encephalopathy and the brain-disease variant CJD, and concerns about genetically modified crops and foodstuffs have created a climate in the UK where it is "practically impossible to communicate with the public."

"It is imperative that the voice of science and industry is heard," Kirkman said. "We have to make an effort to be seen."

In a survey of 350 ERBI members, about 60 percent felt public perceptions of biotechnology could have an impact on their company, and a third are considering putting strategic plans in place to counteract this pressure. This has changed significantly from the last survey two years ago, when very few companies had these concerns.

At the same time, the industry needs to secure government backing by demonstrating that it is working hard to communicate with the public.

One area where this approach has paid off was the campaign to get approval for therapeutic cloning for stem cell research. The BIA linked up with patient groups, including the Parkinson's Disease Society, to lobby jointly and outline the possible benefits. As a result, the government agreed to allow this type of research, with the UK becoming the first country to put in place a legislative framework for therapeutic cloning.

"Biotechnology is moving forward faster than ever. It is vital at an individual and a company level to communicate with the public," concluded Kirkman. "I can't stress enough the importance of grassroots involvement."

Of all the aspects of public disquiet, the No. 1 issue facing the industry is that of animal rights, according to Simon Best, CEO of Ardana Biosciences Ltd. A very small group of very vocal activists is grabbing media attention, he said. They have been scaring people working in animal testing laboratories, and are dangerous.

Best told the 300 delegates, "You can't hide behind your trade association. Many of us will be required to do some animal testing." Companies must take appropriate precautions to protect their staff and premises, he said, and they must "work in local fora to tackle the issue."

Most of the disquiet centers on Huntingdon Life Sciences, an animal testing company that has been targeted by anti-vivisection protesters. Among other attacks on its staff, the CEO, Brian Cass, was violently assaulted. The activists have also protested at the offices of financial services companies working for HLS, leading several, including fund manager Phillips & Drew, broker WestLB Panmure and investment bank HSBC, to cut their ties with HLS.

The pharmaceutical companies that use HLS's services have the option of taking their research elsewhere, and have not taken a public stand against the activists. This has left the BIA to deal with the problem of convincing the public of the value of animal testing.

"When they realize the links to development of medicines and understand the fact that the UK clearly has some of the strictest controls, and when you demonstrate that biotechnology can make a contribution to reducing the need for testing, the public willingness to condone the extreme anti-view goes away," said Best.

The BIA is putting together a program to address issues raised by animal rights activists, including training for staff and protecting premises. It has also written to, and held discussions with, financial institutions to encourage them not to cave in to threats from activists.

Once appropriate measures are in place, CEOs should be prepared to engage in animal testing and other aspects of the public perception deficit, by talking to members of parliament, visiting local schools and holding a company open day at least once a year. "You reduce your risks by being open," said Best.