Myriad issues for gene patents

Since the entire human genome was sequenced and made available for the first time in 2003, scientists and medical professionals have looked to a future in which all medical treatment will be tailored to individuals, based on their unique genetic make-up. Individual genes responsible for illnesses such as cancer will be identified early, risks will be assessed accurately, and many medical problems will be treated or prevented by targeting therapy to the specific needs of a person’s genetic profile.