British opponents of gene patenting this week exposed deals that give a
tobacco company exclusive rights to develop and sell vaccines against lung
cancer. “It’s cynical for tobacco companies to profit from diseases that their
own products cause,” says Helen Wallace of GeneWatch. The pressure group
highlights two deals struck by Japan Tobacco, which makes three of the world’s
five top-selling cigarette brands. In one deal, Corixa of Seattle, Washington,
granted Japan Tobacco a licence to develop vaccines based on patented genes that
are uniquely active in lung cancer cells.
To continue reading, today with our introductory offers
Advertisement
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
We've found a mysterious substance on Titan and Pluto
2
Most portable air conditioners suck – but there's an easy fix
3
Cervical cancer deaths have plummeted thanks to HPV vaccine
4
Faecal transplant makes the brains of old mice act young again
5
Has the answer to life's origins been hiding in our cells all along?
6
Can prebiotics, probiotics or postbiotics help your ageing microbiome?
7
Toy universe shows that time could be a quantum illusion
8
Mysterious ‘cold blob’ in the Atlantic suggests the AMOC is weakening
9
The secrets to keeping your brain sharp in old age
10
The rings of Uranus are even stranger than we thought
