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CNN World Report

Estonia Creates a Genetic Data Bank of Its Population

Aired July 22, 2001 - 14:33   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
SHIHAB RATTANSI, CNN ANCHOR: Well, as scientists turn more to genetics for disease prevention and medicine development, the answers to many longstanding questions are being revealed. In the Baltic nation of Estonia, scientists plan to create a genetic data bank of the country's population. This will help doctors to understand which diseases a patient could develop. Russia's ORT explains.

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MAXIM KISALYEV, ORT CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Scientists at the oldest Estonian school are planning a new project: registering the country's population by genetic data. The idea is very simple, each person must answer several questions, sign a written agreement to participate in the project and take a blood test. All information is collected in the genetic data bank and each participant can get information about his or her possible illness.

ANDRES MATSPATU, MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTIC CENTER (through translator): Maybe I will get Parkinson's disease in the future, but at the moment I don't know that, because this illness usually strikes its victims after 60. If I had this information, I would know that I only have 10 years to live and work normally, and I would plan my life and my work accordingly.

KISALYEV: Scientists say the genetic data bank will help the development of new medicine, based on the specific genetic needs of each person. Such information could make it possible to develop treatment even before a child is born.

Tartu University already has all the equipment they need to start the project. DNA data is recorded on a transparent chip, which is placed into a special device and all information is decoded by a computer.

Estonia's law regulating genetic data was approved earlier this year. It prevents police from using it in a criminal investigation. The DNA information is classified and participation in the project is strictly voluntarily.

Tartu University scientists believe that in five years, about 70 percent of Estonia's population will be registered in their bank, and in another five years, they will create the first individual genetically altered medicine.

This report was prepared by ORT, Russia, for CNN WORLD REPORT.

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