The Impact of Gene Patents on the Delivery of Health Care Services

Award Year: 2002	Investigator: Lori Andrews	Budget: $274,948	Categories: Genetics, Health Care Law
Abstract: Lori B. Andrews, J.D. has studied a wide range of bioethical issues, such as newborn screening, infertility treatment, cloning, stem cell research, and patent policy. For her Investigator Award project, The Impact of Gene Patents on the Delivery of Health Care Services, Professor Andrews examines how gene patents affect genetic research and the availability, cost, and quality of genetic tests and treatments. She analyzes the extent to which the current patent system encourages or discourages innovation. Professor Andrews assesses the growing number of challenges being mounted against gene patents in courts, legislatures, and administrative agencies, and develops policy proposals to assure that intellectual property rights facilitate appropriate health care.