Question

THANKS

Discuss the ethical issues of genome ownership, indicate some pros and cons.

Answer 1

Some of the major ethical issues related to the genome are - consent, privacy, and the collection, storage and release of genomic data. Many ethical issues are raised when genomics research is conducted on populations that are characterised by lower average income and literacy levels, such as the populations included in MalariaGEN. In the course of its development, a number of issues specific to international collaborations were identified by the MalariaGEN Network. One of these concerned the relationship between the need to establish shared good community engagement practices across the network on the one hand, and the need for sensitivity to a local variation on the other.

herewith, attached are Some pros and cons related to patenting genes investigated from genomes study: -

Pros:

* Gives companies that patent genes time to look at the genes without competition. These companies do not have to worry that other companies are competing with them to make new discoveries. This is especially important for smaller companies that may not have the financial support to compete with larger, more established companies.

* Encourages research and development in private industry. Patents support innovation and invention by giving companies rights to gene sequences. The lure of a potential patent drives and pushes researchers to think more creatively and work harder in order to obtain a patent for their work.

Cons:

* Hinders research. Since patents give the owners intellectual property rights on the patented genome sequence for 17 to 20 years, many people fear that gene patents hinder research. For example, patents on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene variants, which have been linked to inherited breast and ovarian cancers, belong to Myriad Genetics. The patents give Myriad Genetics exclusive rights to conduct diagnostic tests on these genes. This means that other companies are not allowed to work with these genes, missing out on the potential to make important discoveries on these patented genes.

* Leads to monopolization of genes. Companies that hold gene patents have exclusive rights to them and may decide to not allow other companies to look at these genes. This may lead to a monopoly and foster a secretive culture among research companies.