Gene Patents Draw High Court Review in Biotechnology Test
This article is for subscribers only.
The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to consider whether human genes can be patented, taking up an issue that has split the medical community and will shape the future of personalized health care and the biotechnology industry.
The justices yesterday said they will hear a challenge to Myriad Genetics Inc.’s patents on genetic material used in tests for breast and ovarian cancer. Doctors, researchers and patients are opposing the patents, arguing that Myriad’s monopoly over the genes is blocking clinical testing and research.