Gain-of-Function definition quietly changed by NIH

According to web archives on October 21, 2021 the NIH set up a new web page titled “Research Involving Enhanced Potential Pandemic Pathogens” (ePPP).  The previous web page titled “Gain-of-Function Research Involving Potential Pandemic Pathogens” is now set to redirect to the new ePPP page. [1]

Gain of Function definition has been replaced with “enhanced potential pandemic pathogen (ePPP) research a type of so called ‘Gain-of-Function’ (GOF) research”.

• BEFORE – Image
• AFTER – Image

The day before, on October 20, 2021, the NIH’s principal deputy director, Lawrence A. Tabak in letters to members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce acknowledged funding research that resulted in an “unexpected” gain-of-function. [2, 3]