By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    healthcare cybersecurity
    4 Helpful Tips on How to Protect Your Medical Practice Against Cyber Attacks
    October 24, 2021
    Health Check Diagnosis Medical Condition Analysis Concept
    6 Health Woes With Online Remedies
    January 19, 2022
    Eight Things Men Should Know About the Male Menopause
    Eight Things Men Should Know About the Male Menopause
    April 24, 2022
    Latest News
    Beyond Nutrition: Everyday Foods That Support Whole-Body Health
    June 15, 2025
    The Wide-Ranging Benefits of Magnesium Supplements
    June 11, 2025
    The Best Home Remedies for Migraines
    June 5, 2025
    The Hidden Impact Of Stress On Your Body’s Alignment And Balance
    May 22, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    healthy nursing school habits
    Healthy Habits for Nursing Student Nursing School Students
    May 24, 2024
    High Deductables
    High-Deductible Insurance and Rising Bad Debt
    July 24, 2015
    How People Are Taking Advantage of Health Deals in the Recent Recession
    February 5, 2021
    Latest News
    Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
    June 25, 2025
    When Healthcare Ends, the Legal Process Begins: What Families Should Know About Probate and Medical Estates
    June 20, 2025
    Preventing Contamination In Healthcare Facilities Starts With Hygiene
    June 15, 2025
    Strengthening Healthcare Systems Through Clinical and Administrative Career Development
    June 13, 2025
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Supreme Court Ruling Impacts Genetic Research
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Policy & Law > Supreme Court Ruling Impacts Genetic Research
Policy & Law

Supreme Court Ruling Impacts Genetic Research

Wendy White
Last updated: June 22, 2013 7:55 am
Wendy White
Share
3 Min Read
US Supreme Court Building
SHARE

US Supreme Court BuildingOn June 13, 2013, the US Supreme Court ruled that human genes may not be patented. The unanimous decision will have a far reaching impact on genetic research.

US Supreme Court BuildingOn June 13, 2013, the US Supreme Court ruled that human genes may not be patented. The unanimous decision will have a far reaching impact on genetic research.

This was the end of legal battles that began three years ago between the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Public Patent Foundation sued Myriad Genetics, the University of Utah Research Foundation and the US Patent & Trademark Office. The case centered on Myriad’s patents on BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic tests.

According to the Mayo Clinic, “The BRCA gene test is a blood test that uses DNA analysis to identify harmful changes (mutations) in either one of the two breast cancer susceptibility genes — BRCA1 and BRCA2. Women who have inherited mutations in these genes face a much higher risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer compared with the general population.” This test has also gained recent publicity with Angelina Jolie’s announcement that she decided to have a preventive double mastectomy due to having the BRCA1 gene.

Myriad charged approximately $3,000 for each test and their patents prevented other labs from offering tests without paying them fees. At issue was the fact that this price point put this test out of reach of many women. Scientists also said that the Myriad patents impacted their ability to do research.

More Read

jeff mccormick
Talking Healthcare with Jeff McCormick, Candidate for Governor of Massachusetts
Of ACOs and the Over-imaging of Children
The Willing Provider Problem
How the Left and the Right View the Race to the Bottom
Concierge Medicine: Paying for Convenience and Access

The short-term impact
The decision will quickly decrease the cost of these genetic tests. According to ABC News, “Hours after the ruling, one company, DNATraits, part of Houston-based Gene By Gene Ltd., said it would offer BRCA gene testing in the United States for $995, less than one-third of the current price.”

The long-term impact
This decision may also discourage investment in some forms of genetic research. The court did draw a distinction between the right to patent genes based on naturally occurring DNA and synthetic DNA created in laboratories (complementary DNA or cDNA). This creation of something new not already found in nature is eligible for patient protection, according to the court. This allows companies to profit from the research.

According to the New York Times, “That distinction may alter the sort of research and development conducted by the businesses that invest in the expensive work of understanding genetic material.” It’s hard to know what the direct impact will be for rare diseases but this decision does clarify the issue and remove any uncertainty.

Image courtesy of dbking on Flickr (CC BY).

TAGGED:genetic testing
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

women dental care
What Is a Smile Makeover and How Much Does It Cost?
Dental health
June 30, 2025
HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps
Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
Global Healthcare Policy & Law Technology
June 25, 2025
recovering from injury
Rebuilding After Injury: Path to Physical and Emotional Recovery
News
June 22, 2025
scientist using microscope
When Healthcare Ends, the Legal Process Begins: What Families Should Know About Probate and Medical Estates
Global Healthcare
June 18, 2025

You Might also Like

Does Mitt Romney Deserve the Abuse He’s Getting on Health Care? Yes He Does

May 13, 2011
health reform
BusinessHealth Reform

Can Downton Abbey “Health Plan” Replace Obamacare?

April 29, 2013

Individuals’ Rights to Their Health Information: The Federales Awaken

February 3, 2016

Why Not A Nurse?

October 18, 2011
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?