New federal guidelines will limit how researchers buy synthetic DNA

Starting April 26, 2025, researchers who use federal funding will need to buy synthetic nucleic acids and related equipment only from companies that meet new national safety standards.

This change is part of the U.S. Framework for Nucleic Acid Synthesis Screening. The policy requires that, where appropriate, federally funded purchases go through companies that follow the guidelines in the Framework.

To help with this, the Gene Synthesis Screening Information Hub offers a regularly updated list of companies that have confirmed they follow the Framework. This list is a helpful resource for anyone using federal funds to order synthetic nucleic acids or related equipment.