BRCA1 & 2 Gene Patents, A Landmark Case & A Rally at the Supreme Court

Have you ever wanted to be some place, but you couldn’t be there for whatever reason?

Who hasn’t, right?

That’s how I’m feeling right about now.

Where do I want to be?

Breast Cancer Action is sponsoring a rally on the steps of the Supreme Court on Monday, April 15, 2013. I want to be there in person. I wish my voice could be part of the larger chorus there where others will be speaking out from those steps, but unfortunately, it’s not possible for me to attend.

My voice will have to be more like a quiet echo from here.

Is anyone listening?

I hope so because much is at stake here for us all.

On Monday, April 15, 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court will begin hearing oral arguments in a landmark case challenging Myriad Genetics’ patents on the “breast cancer genes.” A decision will perhaps come later this summer or fall.

The reason for this rally is to draw attention to this important issue.

This case matters to everyone.

I don’t wish to repeat myself, so you can read my latest articles covering the specifics a bit more here or here.

Okay, I’ll repeat myself just a bit because who clicks on all those links in a blog post, right?

Here are a few reasons why Myriad’s monopoly on gene patents is a bad idea:

• Myriad retains exclusive rights to all testing and research on BRCA1 and 2 genes. This means sharing of data and analysis is blocked, undermining further collaborative scientific research efforts.
• Myriad can keep testing costs high indefinitely. (And they have)
• Second opinions are impossible.
• The patents mean continued limited access/information for underserved populations.
• This monopoly creates a barrier standing in the way of further breast and ovarian cancer research.
• The idea that a human gene can be patented is flawed, sets a dangerous precedent and is just plain wrong.

This landmark case will not just impact those like me who carry the BRCA1 or 2 gene mutations, but all of us.

Why? (Click on this one for some good answers)

There’s a precedent to set or break here.

The argument basically comes down to one question, should human genes be patented?

The plaintiffs’ side says no. The opposing side (Myriad) says without patents there is no incentive for innovation.

A few other questions might be:

Should profits come before patients’ rights?

Is patenting human genes undermining advancement of personalized medicine?

And finally, is the future of personal healthcare for us all at stake here?

Again, I know I keep saying it, but this is a landmark case that affects my family directly today and some day soon might affect yours as well.

I’m hoping the Supreme Court sets things right.

What about you?

If you’d like to be part of the “echo”, read this for things you can do.

Have you ever attended a rally of any kind?

Do have an opinion on this particular case?