Convergence of chemistry and biology raises concerns about designer toxins

Enabling technologies have been, and will remain, critical factors affecting the pace of change and convergence in the life sciences. Key technologies contributing to, and benefitting from the convergence of chemistry and biology, include: DNA sequencing and synthesis, informatics, computing capacity, availability and sharing of technical data on the Internet, and automated robotics in research and development (R&D).
Multidisciplinary research teams are becoming the norm, encompassing a range of technical expertise, including chemistry, biology, physics, computing, engineering, materials science, and nanotechnology.
The report says that increasing use of biologically mediated production processes has implications for the Chemical Weapons Convention verification regime. The temporary working group has reviewed the meaning of the term “produced by synthesis” as it applies to Part IX of the Verification Annex of the Convention, in the context of declarations required for OCPFs (Other Chemical Production Facilities). The view of the TWG was that any process designed for the formation of a chemical substance should be covered by the term “produced by synthesis.” Many facilities taking advantage of biologically mediated production processes, however, may not be relevant to Part IX of the Verification Annex and a detailed set of exemptions may be scientifically justified (such as facilities producing alcoholic beverages or biofuels).
New production processes, combined with developments in drug discovery and delivery, could be exploited in the development of new toxic chemicals that could be used as weapons. Such developments would still be covered by what is known as the “general purpose criterion,” but this highlights the importance of monitoring developments in science and technology. Convergence is increasing the overlap between the remits of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), historically restricted mainly to bioregulators and toxins. This will require increasing the interaction between CWC and BWC technical experts.
The TWG considered other areas of science and engineering impacting on developments in chemistry and biology. In particular, nanotechnology is playing an important role in improving drug delivery to the body, and in the development of biosensors.
The convergence of chemistry and biology is providing major benefits to humankind, particularly in health care, alternative energy sources, and in environmental control. Combined with other advances, particularly in nanotechnology, it is also being exploited in developing improved defensive countermeasures against chemical and biological warfare agents that will have implications for verification, and assistance and protection against weapons. There have been beneficial developments in protective clothing and equipment, decontamination, verification, detection/diagnostics, and medical countermeasures.
The TWG made nineteen recommendations. The key recommendations are, in summary:

• The SAB and the TS should continue to monitor advances and trends in production technologies relevant to convergence, and assess the relevance of these processes to verification under the CWC. Regular engagement with subject matter experts, for example, from the biotechnology industry, will be required.
• Advances in systems and synthetic biology, which have enormous potential for beneficial and commercial purposes, should be monitored by the SAB [Scientific advisory Board] and the TS [Technical Secretariat], particularly in terms of enhancing the capability and capacity to synthesize more complex chemicals (in particular toxic chemicals, toxins and bioregulators). Regular engagement with subject matter experts will be required.
• Advances in nanotechnology, particularly as they apply to improved defensive countermeasures against CW, should be monitored.
• As the convergence of chemistry, biology and other sciences is a technically complex area, consideration should be given to the development of outreach material to assist staff at States Parties permanent missions to the OPCW in understanding possible implications for the CWC.
• A structured approach to maintaining contacts with the BWC community should be established. Existing relationships should be further developed to bring together technical expertise in areas of common interest.
• With the rapid pace of advances, consideration should be given to re-activating the TWG on Convergence periodically, for example, every five years prior to the SAB report to the Director-General on science and technology (S&T), in order to assess recent advances.

— Read more in Convergence of Chemistry and Biology: Report of the Scientific Advisory Board’s Temporary Working Group (OPCW, Temporary Working Group, 27 June 2014)