This week’s Science (subscription required) carries a report that approximately 20% of the human genome has now been claimed under patent by biotech companies. AJOB/bioethics.net summarizes their findings:

nearly 20% of the human genome, or 4,382 of the known 23, 688 human genes, have been patented, with over half owned by private companies. Around 63% of the patents are assigned to private firms, with one firm, Incyte Pharmaceuticals/Incyte Genomics, having intellectual property rights covering 2,000 human genes.

The idea of gene patents - especially those grounded on nothing more than the determination of existing base sequences, rather than the engineering of new sequences - has always been problematic. That private companies can patent something they had no hand in creating - something that simply exists in nature - seems absurd on its face, but they wield the clout to make sure the law stays on their side. The incremental lockup of the human genome, however - the commercial hegemony being exerted, step by step, over each person’s own bodily chemistry - and the control over potential cures or advances that could result from knowledge that is otherwise freely available, is downright frightening, and infuriating.