Note to Editors

March 17, 2006

Today, the Canadian Biotechnology Advisory Committee (CBAC) released its report, Human Genetic Materials, Intellectual Property and the Health Sector

The number of inventions involving human genetic materials is growing rapidly. Concerns about the effects of granting intellectual property (IP) rights over human genetic materials were exacerbated in recent years by cases in which patent holders exercised IP rights in ways that many view as detrimental to both development of new health innovations and access to them by Canadians.

The report was delivered to the Deputy Ministers of Health and of Industry, who had requested CBAC's advice on this important and challenging matter. As stated in the report, CBAC believes action is needed now to enhance Canada's IP regime so that it is better prepared to meet the dual objectives of encouraging health innovation and making the benefits of innovation readily accessible to Canadians.

CBAC's report is based on the work of an Expert Working Party established by CBAC to assist it in the development of its advice to government. The Expert Working Party's report to CBAC "Human Genetic Materials: Making Canada's Intellectual Property Regime Work for the Health of Canadians" was released earlier so that comments on it could be considered by CBAC in arriving at its conclusions and recommendations.

CBAC is a body of external experts established in 1999 by the Government of Canada. CBAC provides advice to government on current policy issues associated with the ethical, social, regulatory, scientific, environmental, health, and economic aspects of biotechnology.

Media Inquiries:
Eileen Rankin-Siegel
Canadian Biotechnology Advisory Committee
(613) 954-7059