By Lorry Blath
Most scientists had disregarded Mary-Claire King’s 16 years
of work with genetics as impracticable for use in the clinic. Her findings in
the early 1990’s eventually proved them mistaken. The discovery of a mutation
on chromosome 17, now known as “the BRCA gene”, revolutionized how researchers
approach genetic information in developing new strategies for treatment and
prevention of diseases.
Everyone has BRCA genes. BRCA 1 and 2’s function is to
repair cell damage and keep the breast growing normally. When these genes
mutate in one generation, all subsequent generations may, but not always,
inherit an increased risk to develop breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers.
Scientists know there are more than these two mutated genes, which carry the
tendency toward breast cancer, but BRCAs are the most common, accounting for up
to 10% of all breast cancers.
Myriad Genetics, founded by researchers, developed tests for
eight different genetic diseases. In the case of BRCA1 and 2, Myriad applied
for and received a patent on the BRCA genes. This patent precluded any other
team from developing any similar or improved test for patients. In a new era
among researchers of collaboration, information sharing, and encouragement,
this monopoly seemed opportunist, making half a billion dollars a year for Myriad, at up to $3,500 per
test.
The recent Supreme Court ruling on this issue stated that no
one can “own” natural or genetic materials. They can patent a test, but not the
human gene. This will not only lower the cost of this particular test, but will
also encourage more collaboration among scientists. This is a victory for all
kinds of cancer and will open the floodgates on ideas for further discoveries.
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