Genetic Research and Commercialisation

Abstract

The results of the human genome project (HGP) and other biomedical research are being used in the development of new drugs, diagnostics and therapies by the medical biotechnology industry in Australia and elsewhere. However, both the research and commercial components of human genetic technology raise some unique ethical, legal and social implications, which may become particularly acute where these two components intersect and overlap. The consequences of this overlap between research and development are being subjected to some intensive scrutiny, along with the many other ethical, legal and social implications arising from developments in human genetic technology. In this chapter, the focus of inquiry is on the disputes and dilemmas that arise for public sector researchers and organisations in this new commercialised research environment.