P.M. BRIEFING : W. German Gene Plant Blocked
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KASSEL, West Germany — Hoechst AG’s plans to make genetically engineered human insulin in West Germany for diabetes treatment was blocked by a high court today as the Bonn government works on legislation regarding gene technology.
An administrative court in the state of Hesse said the major chemical group must immediately stop construction of its test plant for the insulin production, ruling in favor of a group of citizens who had filed a lawsuit against Hoechst.
“As long as the Parliament does not specifically allow the use of gene technology . . . plants using genetic technology may not be constructed and operated,” the court said.
Fierce public opposition to genetic engineering and slow licensing procedures have discouraged most firms from pursuing genetic research and production in West Germany.
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