Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Preventing the Spread of Malaria and Dengue Fever Using Genetically Modified Mosquitoes
Published on: July 4, 2007
What are gene patents and why are people worried about them?
1Department of Medical Ethics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104-3308, USA. merz@mail.med.upenn.edu
Abstract:
This article examines what it means to patent a gene. Numerous ethical concerns have been raised about the effects of such patents on clinical medical practice as well as on research and development. We describe what kinds of inventions are covered by human gene patents, give several examples and summarize the small body of empirical research performed in the US examining the effects of these patents. There is little evidence that early fears about gene patenting placing substantial restraints on research and clinical medicine have come to fruition. Nonetheless, there are areas of concern, and policy makers, physicians and the public should be alert to ensure that the net social benefits of patenting human genes are maintained.
Related Concept Videos
What is Genetic Engineering?
Gene Therapy
Gene Therapy
CRISPR
CRISPR
Structure of a Gene
However, only 1% of the DNA is composed of genes that encode proteins; the rest, 99% is non-coding DNA. This non-coding DNA performs...

