DNA and Patents: Association for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics, Inc. - Podcast

On Monday, April 15, the Supreme Court heard oral argument in a patents case, Association for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics, Inc, concerning whether human genes can be patented. Myriad Genetics, which identified two sections of the genetic code that might indicate higher risk for certain types of cancer, obtained patents on the isolated or removed versions of these two genes on the basis that Myriad invented a new chemical in the process of identifying and removing these genes from the body. The challengers claim that Myriad Genetics has created nothing new, but rather the process is an examination of a substance found in nature whose attributes remain unchanged. What will the Court’s decision hold for a field where thousands of gene patents have already been secured? Do such patents inhibit or promote further such discoveries, or is the evidence clear? On this previously recorded conference call, our expert, who attended the oral argument, discusses and provides his thoughts on the case and answers questions from callers