If the court upholds the biotechnology company Myriad Genetics’ patents on two genes which, in some variants, are linked to higher risk for breast and ovarian cancer, the company will retain exclusive rights to use the genes in research, diagnosis, and treatment for two decades, preventing rivals from developing cheaper alternatives. Women have already been denied access to a diagnostic test, because insurers refuse to pay the company’s high prices.
美国最高法院最近面临着基因是否可以申请专利的问题。如果法院支持生物技术公司Myriad Genetics对两种基因的专利要求（这两种基因的某个变体与乳腺癌和卵巢癌高发有关），那么该公司将获得将这两个基因用于研究。诊断和治疗的长达二十年的专属权利，从而阻止廉价替代方案的开发。女性已经难以得到诊断测试，因为保险公司拒绝支付该公司的高要价。