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February 14, 2007
Pharma moves for open access to genetic research
by Kelly McKenna
In a move illustrating increased collaboration, or more likely a realization of the time involved in translating the Human Genome into medicines, several drug companies are providing free access to their genetic research. Theoretically, more researchers analyzing the data translates into more targeted therapeutics reaching the market and patients quicker.
Open access takes the ownership of genes away from medical companies, raising questions for researchers and smaller biotech companies needing to secure private funding and make a profit. In the patent debate, both sides argue the stifling of innovation – granting patents on genes creates a monopoly and halts the development of medicines, yet privatization enables biotech companies to survive and thus, research and develop new therapies. Regardless, the number of gene patents is decreasing, and just last week, the Genomic Research and Accessibility Act was sponsored, which would ban "the practice of patenting genes found in nature".
Open access to genetic information will definitely spur innovation and discovery, and ideally, increase industry collaboration. In the end, the benefit to big pharma is the creation of a better, quicker drug pipeline. If it’s not their own, they can just buy it!
Read more about Novartis' move to provide free access to the company’s diabetes genetic research: http://www.forbes.com/home/2007/02/12/novartis-genes-diabetes-research-biz-cz_mh_0212novartis.html
Posted by kelly_mckenna at February 14, 2007 12:56 PM
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