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Concerns have been raised over a new Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) biolab being established in Nelson, operated by Kimer Med.

Publicist and promoter Aly Cook voiced strong opposition to the facility, saying it is being set up for research involving dangerous pathogens such as Zika virus and Dengue fever, diseases that are not currently present in New Zealand.

In a tweet she warned of potential risks, comparing the situation to the controversial Wuhan lab theories surrounding COVID-19, and urged politicians Judith Collins and Chris Luxon to intervene, stating that New Zealand should not be used as an experimental testing ground.

According to BSL-2 safety guidelines, these laboratories handle “moderate-risk infectious agents” that can be transmitted to humans, including viruses like equine encephalitis and HIV, as well as common bacterial infections like staphylococcus aureus.

BSL-2 facilities are required to follow strict biosafety protocols, including the use of protective equipment, restricted access, and decontamination procedures to prevent accidental exposure or leaks.

Recently, we grabbed some coffees and took the team on a tour of our soon-to-be new facility.

We’ll be fitting it out to house our new PC-2 Lab, pilot plant, and offices, giving us much needed space as we continue to grow, with 10x times the floor area of our current lab. pic.twitter.com/ZoYyJDdd2P

— Kimer Med (@KimerMed) February 4, 2025

Concerns grew after a tweet from NZ & THE MRNA questioned the transparency of the project. The post pointed out that BSL-2 labs are permitted to store and use live viruses, raising fears that any accidental leak could introduce Dengue or Zika into New Zealand. The tweet also said that the Nelson community and the wider public had not been informed about the development, suggesting a lack of public consultation.

Kimer Med, in a post from February 5, announced its plans to expand into a new PC-2 lab, pilot plant, and office space, significantly increasing their research capabilities. The company states that its work focuses on developing “broad-spectrum antivirals” targeting “multiple pathogens”.

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Via https://dailytelegraph.co.nz/news/concerns-raised-over-planned-biosafety-level-2-biolab-in-nelson/