Gene Patents Stifle Patient Access To Medical Care And Critical Research
NEW YORK – The American Civil Liberties Union and the Public Patent Foundation, a not-for-profit organization affiliated with Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law (PUBPAT), filed a lawsuit today charging that patents on two human genes associated with breast and ovarian cancer stifle research that could lead to cures and limit women’s options regarding their medical care. Mutations along the genes, known as BRCA1 and BRCA2, are responsible for most cases of hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. The lawsuit argues that the patents on these genes are unconstitutional and invalid.
Obviously genes should not be patented and should be deposited into the public domain.
Monica Hensley says:
I always thought the point of science was to make progress together, work off each others ideas, find cures to help people and animals. I understand that the field of science is competitive but this is taking competitiveness to a whole new and disturbing level. But in all honesty I am not surprised by this.
May 28, 2009, 10:44 AMYuk Fai Leung says:
Sorry to disappoint you and welcome to real life Monica!
May 30, 2009, 2:09 AM