But, drug firms are unlikely to shell out just so that they have the option of using this gene in research a situation that can retard the progress of Aids drugs. Mr Fuchs and Mr Crohn have added fuel to the fire. They now want a share of the potential profits. Potentially, the many samples of tissue that are in labs all over the world can yield discoveries. But rarely are the subjects who provided these samples compensated.
Researchers argue that they deserve the patent and profits.
Governments are also claiming ownership. For example, the government of Iceland sold the genetic information and histories of the country's entire population to a private biotech company last year. Some wary research patients have begun demanding money up front before handing over tissue and blood samples. Copyright 2001 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.