Australian High Court rules to disallow patenting of isolated genetic materials

The Australian High Court has ruled to disallow patenting of isolated genetic materials.

The case, in which Myriad Genetics (Nasdaq: MYGN) argued it held the patent over the BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 genes, ended with a ruling that overturned two federal court decisions and ruled unanimously in favor of cancer survivor Yvonne D’Arcy.

Some stakeholders are concerned that this could undermine the development of innovative medicines. Tim James, chief executive of trade group Medicines Australia, said: “It is essential that Australia maintains strong and stable intellectual property protection that will support the development of new biological medicines. We will need to consider the implications of this decision for patents held by our member companies, a number of which are researching and developing new biological medicines.”