Genes for sale: how a major court ruling could impact genetic research patents
A DNA patent was struck down in court
It started with patents for DNA tests designed to gauge women’s risk for developing breast and ovarian cancer—a genetics company held an exclusive license for these tests that enabled them to control the market and even force other scientists to halt research projects involving the breast cancer genes. This week a U.S. District judge ruled that the genetics company “discovered” the DNA sequences that make up the two genes, but did not “invent” them, therefore invalidating seven patents related to the breast cancer test. While the ruling will certainly not be the last word in the argument of patenting genes, it does complicate the effort of companies to turn profits off of genetic research—if DNA can’t be patented because it’s created by nature, how about patents for proteins, enzymes, bacteria and other biological materials that get turned into useful medicines?
Guests:
Sandra Park, staff attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union Women’s Rights Project & lead attorney on the gene patent case
Kenneth Chahine, visiting law professor at the University of Utah
- Patt Morrison for April 2, 2010
- 162,000 new jobs can’t be a bad thing, right? The hidden (negative) meanings behind the March jobs report
- From Russia with…..terror and violent retribution
- Play Ball! – Dodgers and Angels gear up for Opening Day
- Genes for sale: how a major court ruling could impact genetic research patents
- Goodbye office, hello home? Working outside the cubicle.
- Orange County Noir
Also on this episode
Events
Comedy Congress Live
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
7:30 p.m.
- 9 p.m.
The comedic material emanating from Washington D.C., and state capitols across the country, is enough to make any sitcom writer jealous, even if most of that comedy is unintentional. Our motto on Comedy Congress is that just when politics makes you want to cry, it’s usually best to laugh.
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