This had me a bit confused this morning, though certainly not surprised. Apparently, one can patent a human gene. A gene… the basic unit of heredity in a living organism. Patented, and “owned” by someone. The mind boggles.
After I heard this, my initial thought was, “What good is that?”
Oh, ho – it’s plenty good.
As it turns out, patenting a gene means no one else can do testing or studying of “your” gene. So then the company who owns the patent has a total monopoly on testing said gene, so they can in turn charge whatever they want for said test.
Ah, the free market.
As a result of the PTO granting patents on the BRCA genes to Myriad Genetics, Myriad’s lab is the only place in the country where diagnostic testing can be performed. Because only Myriad can test for the BRCA gene mutations, others are prevented from testing these genes or developing alternative tests. Myriad’s monopoly on the BRCA genes makes it impossible for women to access other tests or get a second opinion about their results, and allows Myriad to charge a high rate for their tests – over $3,000, which is too expensive for some women to afford.
Via: ACLU
The ACLU has launched a lawsuit specifically aimed at the patenting of breast cancer genes. In case you were wondering, the scum-fucks who patented the genes were Myriad Genetics and the University of Utah Research Foundation. Feel free to contact them and ask why they feel they should have exclusive rights to testing on genes linked heavily to breast cancer. Here’s their info…
Myriad Genetics, Inc.
320 Wakara Way
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Tel: (801) 584-3600
Fax: (801) 584-3640
Customer Service: 800-469-7423
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Buy stock now!
Must we place ownership over EVERYTHING!?
I guess the fun starts when other countries *don’t* pointlessly and short-sightedly limit their research into genetics by bending over forwards for pathetic attempts like this. Let’s see where we stand a couple decades from now. Way behind, I predict.