News

Gene Therapy Death Link Can't be Ruled Out, Say Experts
Ailsa Taylor, BioNews.org, September 24, 2007
A panel of experts assembled to investigate the death of an Illinois woman, who died unexpectedly after receiving an experimental gene therapy, last week concluded that there was insufficient evidence to suggest the therapy was directly responsible.
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Associations Urge Lawmakers to Make Several Changes in Patent-Reform Legislation
Goldie Blumenstyk, Chronicle of Higher Education, May 2007
Congress has renewed its push to revise the patent laws, and as a major patent-reform bill began moving through the U.S. House of Representatives, five higher-education associations released a joint statement urging lawmakers to make several key changes in the proposed legislation.
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Key Stem Cell Patents Revoked
Gaia Vince, NewScientist.com. April 3, 2007
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has revoked fundamental patents on human embryonic stem cells.
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Hands Off Our Genes, Say Pacific Islanders
Anna Salleh, ABC Science Online, March 20, 2007
Pacific Islanders are demanding the power to restrict patenting of their human, plant, and animal genes.
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The "Genomic Research and Accessibility Act" was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in February to prohibit the patenting of human genetic material. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
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Who Owns Your Body Parts?
Kerry Howley, Reason, March 2007
It appears that everyone is making money in the market for human biological materials -- except the donors.
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Patenting Life
Michael Crichton, The New York Times, February 13, 2007
Gene patents have the potential to interfere with the availability of treatment for patients in need.
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Someone (Other Than You) May Own Your Genes
Denise Caruso, New York Times, January 28, 2007
The public is rightfully concerned about whom -- if anyone -- is looking out for its interests as the genes of plants, animals, and microbes, as well as entire organisms, become privatized through the patent system.
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Fees Relaxed to Boost Stem Cell Research
Ryan J. Foley, The Associated Press, January 24, 2007
The Wisconsin foundation that holds patents covering U.S. embryonic stem-cell research will waive some of its fees to encourage more industry-sponsored research.
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Inventors as Investigators: The Ethics of Patents in Clinical Trials
Jonathan Kimmelman, McGill University, January 2007
This article examines how different institutions manage possible patent-related conflicts of interest in human subjects research, and it provides ethical analysis and recommendations.
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