New genetic patent reform
September 26, 2011
THE Royal College of Pathologists
of Australasia (RCPA) has joined the
chorus of industry calls for gene
patent reform (PD 23 Sep).
“Having a patent system which
allows us to carry out our work,
while protecting the public’s interest
from gene monopolies and
maintaining a good level of research
investment, is paramount,” said Dr
Graeme Suthers, Chair of the RCPA’s
Genetics Advisory Committee.
“We want to ensure that useful
medical testing of high quality is
available to all Australians.
“Our concerns remains that gene
patents have compromised the
ability of medical labs to meet this
goal,” he added.
As such, the College has thrown
its support behind a proposal put
forth by the Cancer Council, for a
roundtable meeting with all
relevant parties and stakeholders
which would redevelop a legislative
approach to the issue.
Key issues to discuss at the
roundtable would include research
investments and the potential risks
of commercial monopolisation of
human biological material.
“We recognise that patents are
an essential and welcome
component of contemporary
medical care,” Suthers said.
“However, patents should not
restrict equitable access to a
medical genetic test,” Suthers added.
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