Genetic Manipulation Patenting

The first patent application for a transgenic animal was filed in 1988 for a strain of mouse that was created by inserting human genes for cancer into mouse embryos. Intended for use as an “animal model” for research into breast cancer, the so-called “Oncomouse” is recognized in the US and Europe as the patented property of Harvard University. Canada remains one of the few countries to take a stand against the patenting of genetically manipulated animals; a stance strongly supported by Animal Alliance.

Disease “models”
While adverse health effects are generally an unexpected side effect of genetic manipulation, some unfortunate animals are actually bred to suffer as “models” for human disease. Examples include the Harvard Oncomouse, “severe combined immune deficient” (SCID) mice, and the countless other “animal models” of painful and distressing human illnesses such as cystic fibrosis, arthritis, psychological disorders, etc.

http://www.cruelscience.ca/research-gm.htm