[Pharm-policy] AMA on gene patents

[James Love]

For those thinking about the importance of compulsory licensing, it is
not only an issue for developing countries.  Here is a useful story from
the AMA on problems with new gene patents.  
Jamie


http://www.ama-assn.org/sci-pubs/amnews/pick_00/prsb0221.htm


    PROFESSIONAL ISSUES



 Gene patents raise concerns for researchers, clinicians


The proliferation of patents for specific gene sequences may increase
costs and decrease quality of diagnostic laboratory testing, limiting
access for patients and training opportunities for physicians.

  By Vida Foubister, AMNews staff. Feb. 21, 2000.


Just as the discovery of genes that have implications for the diagnosis
and management of inherited human diseases is becoming commonplace, new
restrictions on who can use this information and in what settings are
emerging. 

Patents have been issued for DNA sequences since 1980. But their
enforcement, by both private companies and public researchers and
institutions, is a relatively new phenomenon that is raising concerns
among clinicians and researchers who rely on this genetic information. 

"This is a break with the whole history of laboratory testing, in which
somebody develops a test and it's immediately available to the entire
medical community," said Valerie Ng, MD, PhD, immediate past president
of the Academy of Clinical Laboratory Physicians and Scientists. 

At the heart of the emerging debate over the restrictive licensing of
diagnostic tests by patent holders is the question whether gene
sequences are bona fide inventions. 

 
    [snip]


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James Love, Director           | http://www.cptech.org
Consumer Project on Technology | mailto:love@cptech.org 
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