There is a LOT of information circulating in th print and electronic media about the "Myriad" case and the effect of the "Prometheus" case. Here is what you need to know. Myraid received patents for diagnostic tests for Breast Cancer. By looking at the DNA of a patient, a prediction can be made as to the risk of breast and/or ovarian cancer.
Prometheus is a case which was just settled which used measurements of metabolites in computing drug dosage.
Here is where they connect. You cannot patent a "Law of Nature." Even though Isaac Newton "discovered" gravity, he could not patent it - it was a law of nature. The US Supreme Court said, in Prometheus, that the metabolites were a law of nature and disallowed the patent. They also asked that the Myriad Case be re-evaluated in the Federal Court (Myriad had already Won!) in light of Prometheus. This is a very un-sublte of way of saying that the Federal Courts show look as to whether the DNA dignostics for breast/ovarian cancer are Laws of Nature, and invalidate the patent.
Is this discussion complete - No. But's its enought to get your noticed at a cocktail party!
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