GOING by the recent experiences in the
patent market, some scientists have
expressed concern about the entry of us-
based Progene Inc to set up genetic testing centres in the country diagnosing for
genetic abnormalities. The department
of biotechnology (DBT) recently received
fresh information questioning the company's credentials. It has come to light
that the same company closed its shop
in 18 months in Tunisia in Africa after
collecting blood samples of the local
population. Recently, the DBT and the
health ministry had approved the company's proposal on the condition that it
would not send the Samples outside
India.
However, the Indian Council of
Medical Research and the DBT have
warned the ministry that the company's
network in India will act as a passage for
blood samples and human DNA to its
collaborators in the us. Earlier, the company had allayed misgivings that Indian
samples would be misused for patenting
genetic material. The company refused
to reveal why it wound up its operations
in Tunisia and why it was not permitted
to operate in China. Progene runs genetic test centres in the us, Korea, Vietnam
and France.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.