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The Ethics of Access to Online Genetic Databases

Private or Public?

  • Bioethics
  • Published:
American Journal of Pharmacogenomics

Abstract

With the sequencing of the human genome comes the promise of advances in medical science. For this promise to be fully realized, researchers must have access to information resulting from this landmark endeavor as well as from subsequent research initiatives. However, because genomic sequences are potential sources of profit for the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, many private companies seek to limit access to this information. Some argue that this will impede scientific progress and increase the cost of basic research, while others argue that the privatization of genetic information is needed to assure profits and generate the considerable funding necessary to bring therapeutic products to the market. In analyzing the arguments for both sides, we conclude that both private funding and public access to information are important in genetic research. Precedents for compromise are necessary, as is increased dialog between private and public interests in order to ensure continued advancements in genetic science and medicine.

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Notes

  1. 1The HGP, sponsored by the Department of Energy and National Institutes of Health Genome Programs, is the national coordinated effort to characterize all human genetic material by determining the complete sequence of the DNA in the human genome. The HGI is a separate initiative, and is an international research program for the creation of detailed genetic and physical maps for each of the 24 different human chromosomes and the elucidation of the complete DNA sequence of the human genome.

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The authors have no conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the content of this manuscript.

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Correspondence to Adam D. Marks or Karen K. Steinberg.

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Marks, A.D., Steinberg, K.K. The Ethics of Access to Online Genetic Databases. Am J Pharmacogenomics 2, 207–212 (2002). https://doi.org/10.2165/00129785-200202030-00006

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00129785-200202030-00006

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