Introduction

Myriad Genetics

The Supreme Court is expected to decide soon whether human genes can be patented. The case involves patents by Myriad Genetics on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which, when mutated, heighten a woman’s risk of getting cancer. Because of the patents on these genes, which Myriad isolated, the company controls all testing for the mutations.

Many have said it is unnatural to allow a monopoly on something that exists in the human body. Others have proposed a more cooperative approach to genetic research.

Should companies be allowed to patent genes?