Gene Patenting Pros And Cons

Gene patenting is the practice of allowing a company to patent specific gene sequences that are found within the human body. It is a highly controversial topic that has been debated upon for years, coming into the spotlight time and time again as people question both its benefits and its drawbacks. While gene patenting benefits the patent holding companies, its effects on society are both detrimental and it impedes progress. Gene patenting has negative consequences on the general public and obstructs genetic research.

Firstly, gene patenting has a highly adverse impact on the general public. Patenting holding companies alone have the ability to conduct experiments on the patented gene. This prevents the general public from having access

Genes are what make us who we are; all of us with our quirky differences and individualities. Over the decades there has been a tremendous increase in the interest generated towards genes and genetic research; a search for new drugs, discoveries and cures that will benefit humans. Gene patenting, which refers to the patenting of genetic sequences, is a controversial matter that has been debated upon for decades. Patenting a gene gives the company sole authority over the gene and they alone have the right to research on it. Gene patenting is often considered a violation of human rights. It might result in certain companies taking undue advantage of the authority they have over the gene, which can have an adverse impact on society. The tremendous benefits of gene patenting however, cannot be ignored. It can offer substantial contributions to the welfare of the general public in terms of research and discoveries. Gene patenting therefore must be encouraged because it drives companies to put more effort into genetic research and it can result in significant medical

An example of this is a patented gene test developed by Van’t Veer that shows women with early stage breast cancer whether they are likely to require chemotherapy. According to the European Patent Office, her invention means that 20% fewer patients would be steered into chemotherapy as a part of their treatment. This test can bring about a major improvement in the field of cancer research. Another significant advancement brought about by gene patenting is the invention of the BRAC Analysis technology by Myriad Genetics, the company that has patented two genes linked to breast cancer. As stated by the company, “The BRAC Analysis technology test has benefitted more than 1 million patients and around 250,000 such tests are performed yearly” (Leung, M., 2014). Both these examples give an inkling of the possible advancements that can be brought about by gene patenting in the