Thousands of Genes Patented
In this week’s issue of Science, researchers at MIT report that 4,382 (18.5%) of 23,688 known human genes have been patented. They arrived at the figure by calculating the number of US patents for genetic sequences and the number of genes listed in the National Centre for Biotechnology Information gene database. Taking into account genes that have been patented in other countries would probably push the percentage higher.
Incyte Pharmaceuticals/Incyte Genomics holds almost half the gene patents. In fact, the majority of gene patents (63%) are held by companies with commercial interests. Interestingly, some genes, such as the breast cancer gene BRCA1, are granted to more than one company who claim the patents because of their “innovative” usage.
Along with others, Helen Wallace of the pressure group Genewatch is concerned about the lucrative business of patenting genes,
It encourages a search for genes, when many problems with health could be addressed by better research into diet, social and economic factors.
I’m not worried. The genomic revolution is certainly accelerating but I don’t know of a single scientist who denies that our health is a complex interaction of genes, environment, and lifestyle factors. As long as non-scientists (aka politicians) are aware that we need to fund research on a wide range of topics, information about genes can only enhance our health.
For more information on gene patents, see Patenting Genes.
The Hindu, October 17, 2005
ETA: Jason at The Personal Genome has more details.
About 3 years ago, I attended a talk by Craig Venter at Columbia University. When asked about the whole "gene patents" issue Venter declaired that it was a great waste of money (shocking when you consider the actions Celera). He stated that there was only one "gene patent" that made any money – insulin, and that the rest of the patents are likely to yeild little if any profits.
So the whole issue might be moot.
Mad Scientist, Thanks for the comment. I’m not sure if I would take anything Venter says at face value. He could be trying to get everyone off the scent so he can chase it himself.
BTW, I visited your blog before and think it’s great. (You’re on my blogroll now!)