The Supreme Court has tossed out a medical patent for Prometheus Laboratories, a decision that could affect the burgeoning field of personalized medicine.
The justices on Tuesday unanimously agreed that the patent held by the company — owned by Switzerland-based Nestle — was invalid.
The patent covers a blood test that helps doctors determine the proper dosage for a drug, thiopurine, to treat autoimmune illnesses. The Minnesota-based Mayo Clinic had challenged the patent, which is keeping them from marketing its own test.
Courts have been fighting over whether the Prometheus test had patented a natural phenomenon, which cannot be patented.
The high court in an opinion written by Justice Stephen Breyer said the Prometheus blood test used "unpatentable" natural laws.
The justices on Tuesday unanimously agreed that the patent held by the company — owned by Switzerland-based Nestle — was invalid.
The patent covers a blood test that helps doctors determine the proper dosage for a drug, thiopurine, to treat autoimmune illnesses. The Minnesota-based Mayo Clinic had challenged the patent, which is keeping them from marketing its own test.
Courts have been fighting over whether the Prometheus test had patented a natural phenomenon, which cannot be patented.
The high court in an opinion written by Justice Stephen Breyer said the Prometheus blood test used "unpatentable" natural laws.