Specializes in DNA testing: U.S. firm secures patent for selection of ... - Daily Mirror

04.10.2013 22:13 clock

happy and healthy – so that parents wish their children. That they can specifically help out, is increasingly becoming reach. – Photo: AP

Blue Eyes? Brown eyes? Sporty? A biotechnology company in California has secured a patent to which it will be possible to select properties of babies. Critics warn of abuse, but the company appeases.

children to measure: A biotechnology company has secured a patent in the United States on the selection of so-called designer babies. This was confirmed on Friday a spokeswoman for the California-based 23andMe. But she stressed that this patent should not be applied in practice. Critics warn against abuse.

“We never intended, and even now we do not intend to extend our offer on the family computer out,” said the spokeswoman. The family therefore Converter allows parents to give their DNA samples to obtain predictions about their children such as eye and hair color, or susceptibility to diseases.

Here, according to the company evaluated genetic information.

“business ideas, based on the production of designer babies may not be supported by patents,” warned against the Institute for Independent Impact Assessment in Biotechnology, Testbiotech. With the patent sperm and egg could be selected. These genetic data were collected from donors. Interested parents could be offered by criteria such as longevity or athletic properties as a selection. “The genetic identity of human beings must not of fashion, market and opinion depend,” says Christoph Then test biotech CEO. He sees this as a fundamental violation of human dignity.

The choices are varied, such as the patent shows. Properties can be put together like building blocks. “I prefer a child with a high probability,” it says in an example, and then can be selected: Green eyes, blue and brown are about to choose from. Further criteria for the perfect child are about lactose tolerance and sportsmanship.

the European Patent Office (EPO) was involved in the project. According to a spokesman for the U.S. company in Munich had requested the international registration of the patent valid. The EPA had been instructed to carry out a search of the prior art. Based on the result, the company did not ask for more European patent application. “An examination of the patent under European patent law therefore has not even taken place,” said EPA spokesman.

Europe is also Testbiotech no risk that such business ideas for the selection of “designer babies” be patented. Such patents may loud Then for violations of morality and public order will be rejected.

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company 23andMe of Mountain View advertises on its website primarily for DNA testing. “What about your DNA says you” or “Discover the origins of your ancestors,” it says. “Apply for patents is a normal part of our business and we remain true to our principle bound to give people access to their own DNA data, innovative in research and to be transparent to our customers.” (AP)