Why Myriad Genetics doesn’t care about the Supreme Court’s ruling

[How legal woes can affect a company]

Arden Perkins

Association for Molecular Pathology vs. Myriad Genetics & USPTO

Myriad was awarded patents for 2 human genes◦Brca1, Brca2

Indicate susceptibility to breast cancer*

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTVW3uZSD1E

Ethical IssuesHuman genes are natural

products◦Not patentable◦Have been patented for last 20

years!May hinder research progress

◦Can’t improve technology◦Monopoly

Scientists & civil rights groups challenged the patents

Supreme Court rules you can’t patent genes . . . But you can. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYdNFF6qORw

Strikes down gene patentsBut rules that cDNA is patentable

◦Disconnect between scientists/legislation/politicians

“Shares of Myriad Genetics (MYGN) popped nearly 11% to a four-year high in morning trading Thursday after the U.S. Supreme Court issued a mixed ruling on whether its genetic products could be patented.” –Investors.com

Other Biotech companies impacted by legal issues:

Geron Inc.Stem Cells Inc.SAFC

Must navigate a minefield of strange policies, some reasonable some not . . .

If “benefits” of research are stripped from companies, will the motivation to develop them remain?

Sources http://mysticpolitics.com/insane-aclu-sues-myriad-genetics-patent-human-genes/

http://www.businessinsider.com/supreme-court-myriad-case-2013-4

http://www.bcaction.org/take-action/outlaw-human-gene-patents/