February 28, 2010
Attempt to End Patents on Genetic Tests Draws University Opposition
Douglas C. Pizac, AP Images
A worker at a biotechnology company loads samples into a machine for testing. Proposed federal policy would prevent patent holders from protecting their ownership of genetic tests.
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Douglas C. Pizac, AP Images
A worker at a biotechnology company loads samples into a machine for testing. Proposed federal policy would prevent patent holders from protecting their ownership of genetic tests.
Federal regulators are considering steps to end patent rights for medical tests, often developed by universities, that detect inherited diseases. Ending such rights could make the tests more widely available, regulators have been advised.
But several universities, fearing the change will curtail their ability to sell research to private industry—an enterprise that nets them millions of dollars a year—are joining forces with biotechnology companies to campaign against the
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