"We own the patent for breast cancer cells, and we're keeping it".

Miscellaneous Current Events
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1

"Myriad Genetics, a Utah-based company, vowed Wednesday to “vigorously defend” itself against a legal challenge to its patents on two human genes linked to breast and ovarian cancers, its attorney told CNN…

…Myriad and the research foundation hold patents on the pair of genes – known as BRCA1 and BRCA2 – that are responsible for many cases of hereditary breast and ovarian cancers…

…The lawsuit also challenges genetic patenting in general, noting that about 20 percent of all human genes are patented – including genes associated with Alzheimer’s disease, muscular dystrophy and asthma."

I wasn’t aware of the statistic in bold- if true, that’s astonishing.

2

These guys invented human genes ? That’s why they are awarded patents ?

3

What will they do next–sue a person born with those genes for patent infringement?

4

Or the government will need to step in, regulate these government approved patents, and tax these patented genes to provide income for the new Gene Patent Regulatory and Oversight Offices that will open on Pennsylvania Ave.

5

Wow, it’s Genetic Mercantilism!