| SGPPH Session at BSHG Conference - 1 September 2009 |
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SGPPH hosted a session at BSHG's annual conference in Warwick. It took place on Tuesday 1 September 2009 from 1300 - 1400 on the following topic: Gene patents: What have they got to do with us? Patents on nucleotide sequences, often called 'Gene patents', have proliferated in recent years and have become highly controversial and high profile - with Nobel Laureates, and political leaders calling for interventions against what some see as an unethical practice. The motivations for seeking such patents are diverse, with public sector and private sector organisations seeking to commercialise their research. These patents have often been opposed as they pass through the European Patent system, but have become a firmly established phenomenon. Conflicting accounts surround the impact of these patents on research and clinical practice, particularly around genetic testing for human disease. Early stories from the USA in particular raised concerns about patient access to patented tests and raised the spectre of innovation being hindered by broad patents, however recent research has indicated such patents have not been so problematic in Europe - at least not yet. What then are the implications for the UK's research scientists and clinical scientists working in genetics?Click here for flyer for more information. The session was chaired by Stuart Hogarth and the 2 speakers were Dr Michael Hopkins and Mr Gerry Kamstra. Click on their names to see their presentations.
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