More arguing about human gene patents

Earlier this week, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit heard oral arguments in the ongoing lawsuit challenging the legality of human gene patents. Mounting the appeal were Myriad Genetics Inc. and the University of Utah Research Foundation, who argue that gene patents — prevalent since the 1980s — attract private investment that is crucial for breakthrough health research. The hearing followed a decision in March 2010 by Federal District Court Judge Robert Sweet, who ruled to invalidate seven patents for genes related to breast and ovarian cancer.