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Novartis Patent on Human OrgansMay 19, 2000 The European Patent Office (EPO) granted patent No. 0669977 on May 3rd, 2000 to Novartis. The patent, discovered by Greenpeace activist Christoph Then, covers human and animal cells and organs, genetically engineered for the purpose of transplantation. Novartis scientists have genetically modified cells from the walls of blood vessels (endothelial cells). These cells produce a new substance called I kappa B. The goal is for the genetically altered cells to avoid rejection by the immune system of foreign bodies. Konrad Becker, head of Novartis's patent-division told Swiss TV that the company wanted to claim this patent before the idea could be stolen by the competition. Felix Addor, head of the Swiss patent office explained on Swiss TV that Novartis's patent is in accordance with the new rules of the European Patent Convention and European patent laws, formalized last summer. It allows patents not only on human genes and cells, but also on "human parts," that is, on genetically manipulated human hearts, livers, kidneys. Essentially, human hearts and livers can now be patented like vacuum cleaners or chemicals, reduced to the level of commodities, the "intellectual property" of biotechnology companies. Christoph Rehmann-Suter, Professor of bioethics at the University of Basel, remarked: "This calls into question the legitimacy of the whole patent system." The EPO's policy has created many negative headlines of late, from the patenting of plants, animals, human umbilical cords, and now human organs. For now, whole human beings cannot be patented. In November 2000 the EPO will hold a diplomatic conference including all member countries, presenting advocacy groups and concerned individuals with an opportunity to question the legitimacy of the EPO's new policy of complete surrender to industry interests. Sources: christoph.then@greenpeace.de |