A handful of genomics companies, like Celera Genomics, are racing to sequence all the genes in the human body. Additionally, these companies want to obtain patent validation of their mechanisms and license their information for profit. Britain's biotechnology industry defended its right to patent gene-based inventions Wednesday following a move by the United States and Britain to free up access to the mapping of human genes. This area of science is too complex, unfounded, and premature to allow companies to begin selling information. The scientific community cannot put profit ahead of integrity and the absolution of ethical quagmires.
Humanity is worth more than tomorrow's stock price.