The gene patent discussion by Steven Salzberg:
"I argue here that gene patents, and patented genetic tests based
on them, are a very bad idea. First, i discuss whether genes can
reasonably be the subject of patents in the first place; i maintain that
the answer is no. second, i explain how gene patents interfere with
scientific progress, slowing down the development of new cures and
treatments for genetic diseases."
Originally shared by +Gregory Jordan
From back in June: Steven Salzberg's nicely-written refutation of gene patents.
http://genomics.jhu.edu/papers/Perils-of-gene-patents-reprint-CPT2012.pdf
http://genomics.jhu.edu/papers/Perils-of-gene-patents-reprint-CPT2012.pdf
One Reply to “The gene patent discussion by Steven Salzberg:”
I think in the case of BRCA genes, the moral imperative outweighs the patent. The patent in this case is only as good as their ability to enforce it.
If I want to know my BRCA alleles, I will sequence them myself or find a service core to do it.
I realize not everybody has these options, but I'm sure the good people of G+ could find a way to get it done if the situation arose.