Recent news among Australian medical research groups caused alarm regarding the subject of registering a patent of a human gene. The story involves a leading Australian Gene technology company, where management presented a move to register a patent on the gene BRACA1 and BRACA2.
This would have allowed the company exclusive rights to research the gene, effectively blocking any access by other research organisations. Luckily, internal discussion within the company failed the move..
Within this fast moving medical research, there is a danger for extreme measures like this being considered by company managements to justify their dominance in the medical research world. A big danger is that the most important person in all of this is the patient; information and knowledge could be denied them.
Discussion on gene patenting is to be discussed at a free public forum, conducted by Intellectual Property Research Institute and Melbourne Business School on April 24 in Melbourne, Australia.
A Brain Tumor Support Group has advised Federal MP's to inquire if examination of legislation could assist this question of gene patent. A total review of Australia's Health Care system is also underway. Geoff.
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