Gene patenting the view from the fence

Let me begin by saying that it’s not an ethical issue for me. I don’t feel like less of a human being if a big biotech holds a patent to a gene I share with the rest of mankind.

By Editor on Feb 1, 2001

Let me begin by saying that it's not an ethical issue for me. I don'st feel like less of a human being if a big biotech holds a patent to a gene I share with the rest of mankind. I think the difficulty for me in taking sides on this one stems from the experiences of the two sequential lives I led in my 15 years as a medical researcher one in academia and one in the private sector.

My years as a publicly funded researcher taught me a great appreciation for the contributions that basic research has made to the advancement of science. And although it too can be a highly competitive environment, I valued the collaborative sharing of information that is fostered and encouraged by conscientious academic researchers.

So, when I hear their arguments for the free sharing of genomics data and information to encourage and support the advancement of medical research for the betterment of us all, I feel a familiar allegiance to their cause. I understand their reasoning. I buy their argument.

My years in the private sector at a large pharmaceutical company also taught me many things. I gained an intense appreciation for the financial resources and years of commitment to research and development that it takes to bring a gene-based drug to market. I learned that patents on drugs are the only way pharmaceutical companies can ever recoup their investment and fund the next life-saving compound in the pipeline.

So, when I hear their arguments for patent protection to allow them to have an opportunity to recoup their R&D investment, I feel a familiar allegiance to their cause. I understand their reasoning. I buy their argument.

I'sm truly surprised there aren'st more people keeping me company on the fence, because I certainly identify with the people down in the trenches on both sides.