Healthy Skepticism Library item: 10572

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Committees on Ethics and Genetics of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
ACOG Committee Opinion. Number 364 May 2007. Patents, medicine, and the interests of patients.
Obstet Gynecol 2007 May; 109:(5):1249-54
http://www.greenjournal.org/cgi/reprint/109/5/1249

Abstract:

Many basic scientists and clinicians support the right to obtain and enforce patents on drugs, diagnostic tests, medical devices, and most recently, genes. Although those who develop useful drugs, diagnostic and screening tests, and medical technologies have the right to expect a fair return for their efforts and risks, current interpretations of patent law have the potential to impede rather than promote scientific and medical advances. Policies regarding the patenting of scientific inventions, discoveries, and improvements must balance the need for the open exchange and use of information with the need ot make the pursuit of such knowledge financially rewarding.

Keywords:
MeSH Terms: Biomedical Technology/economics Biomedical Technology/legislation & jurisprudence* Diffusion of Innovation Drug Industry/legislation & jurisprudence Ethics, Medical Humans Legislation, Drug* Patents/legislation & jurisprudence* Public Policy* Surgical Instruments Technology, Medical/economics Technology, Medical/legislation & jurisprudence* United States United States Government Agencies