Gene patents still alive and kicking: their impact on provision of genetic testing for long QT syndrome in the Canadian public health-care system.

ABSTRACT: PurposeAlthough the Supreme Court of the United States limited their availability in Association for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics, gene patents remain important around the world. We examine the situation in Canada, where gene patents continue to exist, in light of recent litigation relating to familial long QT syndrome (LQTS).MethodsWe conducted in-depth semistructured interviews with 25 stakeholders across five Canadian provinces and supplemented this with a case analysis of the litigation.ResultsThe majority of LQTS testing was carried out outside Canada. Rising costs prompted several provinces to attempt to repatriate testing. However, LQTS gene patents stymied efforts, particularly in provinces where testing was more centralized, increasing costs and lowering innovation. It w

SUBMITTER: Ali-Khan SE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5682567 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature