Global BulletinAll NewsFDA Approval AlertWomen in Oncology
Expert InterviewsAround the PracticeBetween the LinesFace OffFrom All AnglesMeeting of the MindsOncViewPodcastsTraining AcademyTreatment Algorithms with the Oncology BrothersVideos
Conferences
All JournalsEditorial BoardFor AuthorsYear in Review
Frontline ForumSatellite Sessions
CME/CE
Awareness MonthInteractive ToolsNurse Practitioners/Physician's AssistantsPartnersSponsoredSponsored Media
Career CenterSubscribe
Adverse Effects
Brain Cancer
Breast CancerBreast CancerBreast Cancer
Gastrointestinal CancerGastrointestinal CancerGastrointestinal CancerGastrointestinal CancerGastrointestinal CancerGastrointestinal Cancer
Genitourinary CancersGenitourinary CancersGenitourinary CancersGenitourinary Cancers
Gynecologic CancersGynecologic CancersGynecologic CancersGynecologic Cancers
Head & Neck Cancer
Hematologic OncologyHematologic OncologyHematologic OncologyHematologic Oncology
InfectionInfection
Leukemia
Lung CancerLung CancerLung Cancer
Lymphoma
Neuroendocrine Tumors
Oncology
Pediatric Cancers
Radiation Oncology
Sarcoma
Screening
Skin Cancer & Melanoma
Surgery
Thyroid Cancer
Spotlight -
  • Radiation Oncology
  • Surgery
Adverse Effects
Brain Cancer
Breast CancerBreast CancerBreast Cancer
Gastrointestinal CancerGastrointestinal CancerGastrointestinal CancerGastrointestinal CancerGastrointestinal CancerGastrointestinal Cancer
Genitourinary CancersGenitourinary CancersGenitourinary CancersGenitourinary Cancers
Gynecologic CancersGynecologic CancersGynecologic CancersGynecologic Cancers
Head & Neck Cancer
Hematologic OncologyHematologic OncologyHematologic OncologyHematologic Oncology
InfectionInfection
Leukemia
Lung CancerLung CancerLung Cancer
Lymphoma
Neuroendocrine Tumors
Oncology
Pediatric Cancers
Radiation Oncology
Sarcoma
Screening
Skin Cancer & Melanoma
Surgery
Thyroid Cancer
    • Conferences
    • CME/CE
    • Career Center
    • Subscribe

Your AI-Trained Oncology Knowledge Connection!

scout
Advertisement

Breast cancer gene link found, researchers quickly file for patent

June 4, 2009
By Ronald Piana
Article

Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered a gene that over expresses in about 20% of breast cancers. In order to protect their promising find, they quickly filed for a patent.

On February 28,1953, Francis Crick walked into the Eagle Pub in Cambridge, England, and over a pint of ale announced that he and James Watson had found the secret of life. Now, more than a half century later, the hereditary information encoded in their discovery is the much-coveted intellectual property that was central to the biotech boom of the 1980s and 1990s.

To date, more than 20% of human genes have been patented in the US, mostly by private firms and universities. Researchers at the University of Michigan recently discovered and patented a gene [AGTR1] that is overexpressed in about 20% of breast cancers.According to their study, the hypertension drug, losartan, could block the production of AGTR1. Tumors in mice that expressed AGTR1 were shrunk by 30% 8 weeks after treatment with losartan.

Lead author Arul Chinnaiyan, MD, PhD, director of Michigan Center for Translational Pathology said, "We suspect our analysis has uncovered a new crop of potentially important breast cancer genes. What's also exciting is this gene is blocked by a drug that's already on the market."

The University of Michigan announced that it was currently seeking a commercial partner to help bring this potential prognostic marker to market.

The results of this exciting study appear online this week in theProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Although gene patenting is here to stay, "owning" a human gene still sparks debate.

Arguments for gene patent rights are:

• Capital gained from patented genes helps further R&D
• Research is forced into new, unexplored areas
• Secrecy is reduced and all researchers are ensured access to the new invention/agent

Arguments against gene patent rights:
• Patents could impede the development of therapeutic by third parties because of costs associated with using patented data
• Private biotechs can monopolize certain important genetic tests
• Patent holders are allowed to patent a part of nature-a basic constituent of life.

 

 

Newsletter

Stay up to date on recent advances in the multidisciplinary approach to cancer.

Subscribe Now!
Recent Videos
Leading experts in the breast cancer field highlight the use of CDK4/6 inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, and other treatment modalities.
Related Content

ProSense® is a minimally invasive treatment option that destroys tumors by freezing them, utilizing liquid nitrogen to create large lethal zones for maximum efficacy in tumor destruction.

ProSense® Cryoablation Satisfies Patients With Breast Cancer vs Alternatives

Tim Cortese
September 9th 2025
Article

Upfront risk stratification for additional cardiovascular testing may help mitigate cardiovascular toxicities in breast cancer treatment.

Cardiovascular Considerations in Breast Cancer Treatment and Survivorship

Joseph S. Wallins, MD, MPH
September 9th 2025
Podcast

Adjuvant chemotherapy with hormonotherapy in women at least 70 years of age with GGI-high risk HER2-negative breast cancer led to more AEs vs hormonotherapy alone.

Chemotherapy Confers No Survival Benefit in Older Breast Cancer Population

Roman Fabbricatore
September 9th 2025
Article

Leading experts in the breast cancer field highlight the use of CDK4/6 inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, and other treatment modalities.

Advancements and Evolving Strategies in Breast Cancer Treatment at IBC East

Heather McArthur, MD, MPH;Erika P. Hamilton, MD;Hope S. Rugo, MD;Paolo Tarantino, MD, PhD
September 9th 2025
Podcast

Abemaciclib/Endocrine Therapy Improves OS in HR+/HER2– Early Breast Cancer

Abemaciclib/Endocrine Therapy Improves OS in HR+/HER2– Early Breast Cancer

Ariana Pelosci
September 9th 2025
Article

Reshaping Breast Cancer Surgery and Minimizing Radical Treatment Approaches

Reshaping Breast Cancer Surgery and Minimizing Radical Treatment Approaches

Ariana Pelosci
September 9th 2025
Article
Related Content

ProSense® is a minimally invasive treatment option that destroys tumors by freezing them, utilizing liquid nitrogen to create large lethal zones for maximum efficacy in tumor destruction.

ProSense® Cryoablation Satisfies Patients With Breast Cancer vs Alternatives

Tim Cortese
September 9th 2025
Article

Upfront risk stratification for additional cardiovascular testing may help mitigate cardiovascular toxicities in breast cancer treatment.

Cardiovascular Considerations in Breast Cancer Treatment and Survivorship

Joseph S. Wallins, MD, MPH
September 9th 2025
Podcast

Adjuvant chemotherapy with hormonotherapy in women at least 70 years of age with GGI-high risk HER2-negative breast cancer led to more AEs vs hormonotherapy alone.

Chemotherapy Confers No Survival Benefit in Older Breast Cancer Population

Roman Fabbricatore
September 9th 2025
Article

Leading experts in the breast cancer field highlight the use of CDK4/6 inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, and other treatment modalities.

Advancements and Evolving Strategies in Breast Cancer Treatment at IBC East

Heather McArthur, MD, MPH;Erika P. Hamilton, MD;Hope S. Rugo, MD;Paolo Tarantino, MD, PhD
September 9th 2025
Podcast

Abemaciclib/Endocrine Therapy Improves OS in HR+/HER2– Early Breast Cancer

Abemaciclib/Endocrine Therapy Improves OS in HR+/HER2– Early Breast Cancer

Ariana Pelosci
September 9th 2025
Article

Reshaping Breast Cancer Surgery and Minimizing Radical Treatment Approaches

Reshaping Breast Cancer Surgery and Minimizing Radical Treatment Approaches

Ariana Pelosci
September 9th 2025
Article
Advertisement
About
Advertise
CureToday.com
OncLive.com
OncNursingNews.com
TargetedOnc.com
Editorial
Contact
Terms and Conditions
Privacy
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Contact Info

259 Prospect Plains Rd, Bldg H,
Monroe, NJ 08831

609-716-7777

© 2025 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.