BILL'S PASSAGE COULD ENHANCE R&D, MARKET FOR GENE-BASED TESTS
With the rapid evolution of gene-based diagnostics and targeted drug therapies, a movement to protect the confidentiality of genetic information is picking up steam. Concerned that fear of genetic discrimination is undermining R&D and market traction for gene-based products, lawmakers last week reintroduced a bill addressing the issue.
Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chairman Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) introduced the "Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007," S.358, Jan. 22.
Previous versions of the bill have passed the Senate by wide margins, including unanimous votes in 2003 and 2005, only to sputter when Republican House committee leaders squelched the bills before they could be brought to the House floor.
A House version, H.R.493, was introduced by Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.) Jan. 16.