Potential lack of standing could end Myriad case with no DNA patent resolution

A lawsuit against molecular diagnostics company Myriad Genetics, concerning the thorny issue of whether isolated DNA can be patented or not, was brought before the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington yesterday. However, before a ruling can be passed, the three-judge panel must first decide if the plaintiffs in the case actually have standing to bring the suit.

If not, all of the proceedings in the case, known as Association for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics, could be null and void, with the lawsuit dismissed without the...