On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear a case that could decide whether genes can be patented. The ACLU, cancer patients, scientists and others sued Myriad Genetics — which owns the exclusive rights for two genes tied to breast and ovarian cancers — arguing the company limits patients’ access to affordable and accurate testing. But supporters say gene patents are necessary to incentivize research. What could the Court’s decision mean for scientists, patients and corporations?
Guests:
Lauren Sommer, science and environment reporter for KQED Public Radio
Karuna Jaggar, executive director of Breast Cancer Action, an education and advocacy network for breast cancer patients and their supporters, and one of the groups suing Myriad Genetics
Jeffrey Lefstin, professor at UC Hastings College of Law and former molecular biologist
David Koepsell, author of "Who Owns You: The Corporate Gold Rush to Patent Your Genes," lawyer and philosophy professor at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands
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