The following is an excerpt.
Patents on human genes continue to cause controversy in the academic and popular press. A recent decision in Australia (1) has reaffirmed the patentability of isolated human DNA in that jurisdiction, reigniting the debate on the appropriateness of such patents and their potential to negatively affect access to healthcare.
Following the race to identify and isolate genes associated with hereditary breast cancer, patents associated with the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes were granted in a number of jurisdictions. These patents are controlled byMyriad Genetics , which has pursued a business of model of monopoly for the provision of genetic tests for breast cancer, preventing a broader range of providers from offering the test.
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View the original article here: Patentability of isolated DNA in the Australian context: Cancer Voices Australia vs Myriad Genetics Inc
