AMP Celebrates SCOTUS Decision on AMP v. Myriad Case

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Jun 13, 2013, 03:09 ET

BETHESDA, Md., June 13, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the United States Supreme Court released its landmark decision in Association for Molecular Pathology et al. v. Myriad Genetics, Inc. et al. The Court unanimously agreed that "A naturally occurring DNA segment is a product of nature and not patent eligible merely because it has been isolated, but cDNA is patentable because it is not naturally occurring."[1]

The decision helps to lay the foundation for continued research and application of diagnosis and treatment of diseases at the molecular level. "AMP applauds the U.S. Supreme Court on their ground breaking, unanimous decision. There is no question that this is a critical and right decision for the future of medicine and science. Biomedical researchers, clinicians, and most importantly patients will see great benefit from this development," said Jennifer L. Hunt, MD, MEd, AMP President.

In supporting AMP's position, the Court's detailed ruling noted, "In this case… Myriad did not create anything. To be sure, it found an important and useful gene, but separating that gene from its surrounding genetic material is not an act of invention."[2] "We believe the High Court today removed a significant barrier to innovation in molecular pathology testing," said Roger D. Klein, MD, JD, AMP Professional Relations Committee Chair, "and we look forward to future advancements in clinical diagnostics and therapeutics that will accrue to the benefit of our patients and our field."

AMP and its members look forward to continuing their efforts to transform healthcare through their molecular pathology expertise and their work in precision medicine. The Court's decision can be found online at http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/12pdf/12-398_8njq.pdf.

[1],[2] Association for Molecular Pathology et al v. Myriad Genetics, Inc. et al, No. 12-398, U.S. (2013)

ABOUT AMP:
The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) is an international medical professional association dedicated to the advancement, practice, and science of clinical molecular laboratory medicine and translational research based on the applications of molecular biology, genetics, and genomics. For more information, please visit www.amp.org.

CONTACT:
Catherine Davidge
301-634-7400
[email protected]

SOURCE Association for Molecular Pathology