BRCA RULING A VICTORY FOR PATIENTS AND RESEARCH

Labor welcomes today’s High Court ruling that that the breast cancer gene BRCA-1 can’t be patented.
 
This challenge was driven by concerns that ownership of the BRCA gene patent could stifle the research and development of treatments for genetic diseases.
 
The High Court has made a decision that will have implications for intellectual property and patent law in Australia.
 
It is important that the government consider these implications and respond in a timely manner.
 
A ruling from the High Court on this long-standing issue should provide certainty not just for those battling cancer, but everyone affected by genetic conditions.
 
Labor hopes that this ruling will remove uncertainty and clear the way for ongoing research and development for treatments of genetic diseases.