A group of mouse geneticists has suggested that funding agencies should agree on a standardized, international MTA that would reduce paperwork and maximize free exchange. The proposal comes from a task force of the International Mammalian Genome Society. It was prompted by concern about restrictions placed on the use of research tools, particularly by biotechnology companies.
Scientists say that an increasing amount of time is spent analysing MTAs.
The Cre- lox case led to the setting up of the task force. Cre- lox technology allows target genes to be removed from specific cells. It was patented by the pharmaceutical company DuPont, which demanded license fees and 'reach-through' rights to the profits from future discoveries made with the technology. But this agreement does not extend to European researchers. As well as companies, academic institutions often demand strict MTAs.