“Free our Genes” rally at SCOTUS from Medill Washington on Vimeo.
While oral arguments took place on the controversial patent case inside the Supreme Court Monday, outside the court members of the group Breast Cancer Action chanted “free our genes,” rallying against a company’s ability to patent a piece of human DNA.
The case pits medical researchers and breast cancer advocates against Myriad Genetics, a molecular diagnostic company that currently holds the patents on variations of two human genes – BRCA1 and BRCA2. Mutations to these genes indicate a high risk for breast and ovarian cancer. Because Myriad holds the patents, the company also has exclusive rights to the tests for those mutations.
Myriad has set the price of the test at about $3,300 and it is often not covered by insurance. Members of the organization Breast Cancer Action say Myriad’s monopoly on the tests is hurting the progress of breast cancer research.