4-Patents: Huge bill for gene tests in New Zealand

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TITLE:  Huge bill for genetic technology
SOURCE: OneNews, New Zealand
        http://onenews.nzoom.com/onenews_detail/0,1227,212869-1-6,00.html
DATE:   Aug 12, 2003

----------------------- archive: www.genet-info.org/ ---------------------


Huge bill for genetic technology

An Australian genetics technology company is attempting to licence the
use of genetic testing in New Zealand which would cost medical facilities
millions of dollars in fees. Genetic Technologies Chairman Mervyn
Jacobson claims he owns a patent to virtually all genetic tests worldwide
and expects to be paid. Auckland Hospital has already been asked for $10
million for past patent infringements plus an annual fee of $2 million.
New Zealand is one of the first countries Genetic Technologies is
targeting. Jacobson claims he owns technology discovered by New Zealand-
born immunologist Malcom Simons who revealed that so-called non-coding
DNA, written off as worthless for scientific purposes, was in fact
crucial for testing a wide-range of genetically influenced diseases. "The
New Zealanders should be pleased that the test that they've been getting,
which is subject to a New Zealand government patent and performed by
government agencies illegally, will be offered lawfully and fully and
properly - legitimately," Jacobson said. Genetic Technologies took out
patents on all "junk DNA" which comprises a staggering 95% of all known
human and bovine genetic material. Up to 20 New Zealand biotech companies
and laboratories are being told to stump up for using "junk DNA" in their
testing of genetic diseases. Science Minister Pete Hodgson refused to
comment on the issue. Labs and companies who do not comply are being
threatened with legal action. A heavyhanded stance that observers say
will force some smaller, yet vital players, in the genetics field out of
business. The labs say that is tantamount to putting profits before lives.




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