At the end of October, Judge Susan Illston of the Northern District federal court of California ruled that Sequenom's patent for its non-invasive testing was not patentable. Here's the surprising reasons why: Continue Reading
November 20, 2013
Sequenom’s testing is not patentable: uses conventional techniques, not innovative
October 24, 2013
Who raises Down syndrome awareness at medical conferences?
October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Today, I head home from the largest annual convention for genetics. Who is raising Down syndrome awareness at these conferences? Continue Reading
October 17, 2013
What have we learned about the new Down syndrome prenatal test?
In 2011, a new prenatal test for Down syndrome entered the market offering earlier, safer, and more accurate results. What have we learned about this new technology since then? Continue Reading
August 23, 2013
“Unfortunately, I have some bad news for you” about Down syndrome prenatal testing
As a companion piece to the HuffPostLive segment on Down syndrome prenatal testing (which I blogged about here), the Huffington Posts' Katherine Bindley reported on the concerns about adequate counseling. Let's look at some key quotes from that piece. Continue Reading
June 14, 2013
It’s not about information; it’s about selling information
Yesterday, the United States Supreme Court ruled that genes cannot be patented. This may not stop competing NIPS labs from trying to enjoin their competitors. But, the ruling reveals a point that gets lost in the celebration of genomics. Continue Reading
April 29, 2013
What price to do prenatal testing right?
The recent Wall Street Journal report by Christopher Weaver on Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening (NIPS) included a number that suggests how much money is in the NIPS market. But what else should that money be going towards? Continue Reading
April 5, 2013
A new age of prenatal testing for Down syndrome: a new name, new policy statements, and recognized resources for patients
On the same day, two major medical professional organizations announced their respective position statements concerning the newest form of prenatal testing for Down syndrome. There is A LOT to analyze, but here are some instant highlights from both. Continue Reading
January 9, 2013
An Open Letter to NDSS, NDSC, and GDSF: Answers Still Needed
It has been over 40 days since the open letter to NDSS, NDSC, and GDSF was posted seeking answers to a few questions. Tweets to the organizations and an e-mail to the leadership of each organization with a copy of the open letter provided also were sent. The holidays, understandably, may have interfered with a response being provided. With the start of the new year, just as 2012 began, questions remain as to what the national plan is, and, specifically, the questions asked in the open letter Continue Reading
November 28, 2012
An Open Letter to NDSS, NDSC, GDSF on Down syndrome prenatal testing resources
Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GDSF) and the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) recently announced the publication of a pamphlet for patients going through prenatal testing for Down syndrome. It sparked discussion through a blog post by Dr. Brian Skotko, which was soon responded to in a joint press release by GDSF, NDSC, and the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). This is an open letter from concerned parents, professionals, advocates, and Down syndrome (DS) support group leaders who Continue Reading
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