Creation of a database for evaluating the effect of genetic intellectual property on genetic diagnostic testing

In this study, we explore the impact of gene-based patents on the pricing and availability of genetic diagnostic tests. We also explore the nature and scope of the genetic diagnostics industry itself. Through data mining of the GeneTests database and gathering of pricing and procedure information from over 51 laboratories (using a range of sources including phone interviews), we created a unique database that links pricing, procedure and availability information for each sequencing-based gene diagnostic test offered in the US. In addition, we linked relevant gene-based patents to each gene in our database. Our results indicate a correlation between gene patents and test pricing, with an average non-patented test price of -$1330.31 (121 entries) compared to an average price of -$1419.58 for tests associated with gene patents (137 entries).

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Mechanical Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2006

Author dc:creator

• Murray, Philip (Philip E.)

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Fiona Murray.

• Mechanical Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/36723

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/36723