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Breast Cancer Gene Patents Challenged A landmark lawsuit is challenging the patents Myriad Genetics holds on the so-called breast cancer genes — patents that make Myriad the sole provider of a crucial genetic test. Do patents on genes spur research and innovation, or harm patients? Two experts share their views.

Law

Breast Cancer Gene Patents Challenged

Heard on Talk of the Nation

Breast Cancer Gene Patents Challenged

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A landmark lawsuit is challenging the patents Myriad Genetics holds on the so-called breast cancer genes — patents that make Myriad the sole provider of a crucial genetic test. Do patents on genes spur research and innovation, or harm patients? Two experts share their views.

Guests:

Kevin Noonan, patent attorney, molecular biologist, partner, McDonnell, Boehnen, Hulbert & Berghoff, LLP, Chicago, Ill.

Daniel Ravicher, executive director, Public Patent Foundation, lecturer in law and associate director, Intellectual Property Law Program, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, New York, N.Y.