Gene patent lawsuit

jlazyk

A federal judge is hearing the case that the ACLU and some genetics researchers have brought against Myriad genetics.....hoping to stop patents on genes.   ya hoo!!!!

LISAMG

YES, I second the YAHOO very loudly and clearly. I personally know 2 reseachers involved in the plaintiff's case. They are completely devoted to the cause, especially since the ongoing reseach of others is being greatly hindered. They also have LOTS of inquiring genius minds & organizations on board. Will be watching this very closely as it unfolds. Hopefully, unravels too.

AnnNYC

Me three!!!!  YAHOO (in hopes that the judge decides AGAINST the patent!)

flash

I don't thinkI know enough to say it's a good lawsuit.  I would like to see research be available but I also don't want to lose the research that is driven by the industrial side.  Think I have to do more research before I would say yeah or nay.

hollyann

Well if one person had a patent on genes then no one else could do research on those genes..Without a patent EVERYONE can do research on the genes......I say YAHOO!! and hope the lawsuit sticks!.........It's gonna take a LOT of people doing LOTS of reserch to find us a CURE!......

crazy4carrots

I like the argument that a gene is a natural phenomenon, and precedent exists to say that natural phenomena are not patentable.  However, the process for isolating the DNA of a gene could/should be. 

Beesie

The reason why it is so expensive (in the U.S.) and such a lengthy process (in other countries) to get BRCA testing is because Myriad own the patent to the BRCA genetic mutation.  This means all BRCA testing must go through them and/or be approved by them.  My understanding is that in Canada they have approved only one lab to do the testing - this is why it takes months to get the test results.  Frankly it's a ridiculous situation.  So I'll add my HOORAY! to the chorus.

leaf

There is a Podcast about this subject by NPR.   Two attorneys on different sides of the issue debate. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121343433&ft=1&f=5

One attorney says that researchers have been umm - discouraged from doing research on BRCA (threatened) - and they certainly don't have the $$ to legally challenge.

The one attorney claimed your BRCA gene in your body was not patentable, but if they isolate your BRCA gene, its Myriads.

Many decades ago, I worked for a short time an a tech in academic research.  I got paid minimum wage.  These academic researchers are not getting rich doing their job.

I sure they stop patents of naturally occuring genes.