The University of St. Louis or USP Labs is a pioneering research institution that helps resolve scientific disputes. The USP Labs was established in 1986 and is located in Washington, DC. The USP has achieved global recognition as a leader in the field of bioinformatics research.
The laboratory is dedicated to research, development, and testing of novel techniques and software to advance the science of genomics, micro-biotechnology, and energy biotechnology. USP labs has claimed victory over numerous cases involving diverse fields like nanotechnology, human genetics, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and computer technology. These cases have changed the face of genetic engineering, and legal battles continue to rage between the universities and various firms.
USP Labs Lawsuit
In June, the USP brought a case against Myriad Genetics, LLC, a company that developed an editing technologies used by geneticists to make modifications in human DNA at the University of Utah. According to the lawsuit, the company was liable for violating the law’s Fair Deal clause. The Fair Deal clause bars companies from contracting with competitors that make “adversely designed” products that would render their existing products ineffective. The lawsuit also claims that Myriad’s modifications resulted in humans with diseases often associated with genetic diseases such as breast cancer, diabetes, and pancreatic cancer.
According to the lawsuit, Myriad developed its technology in response to a mandate from the US Food and Drug Administration.
The FDA wanted to regulate genetic engineering so that it could be regulated to protect public health. However, the company refused to abide by the regulations, and used the technology in violation of the law. The lawsuit claims that Myriad acted unreasonably and that the company failed to take reasonable precautions to determine whether its modifications would render its products ineffective.
The case has had some prominent attorneys. John Cooney, a partner at Pepperwood Consulting, is one of the lawyers representing the plaintiffs.
He has argued in support of the plaintiffs in prior court filings and in a book entitled Genetic Defiance: How it drives us mad and ruins lives (link is above). Furthermore, he is a staff attorney for the Biohub Foundation, an organization that works to protect genetic technologies and facilitate research into the causes of genetic disease.
Furthermore, he is a senior consultant for Aventis, a biotechnology company that is suing GlaxoSmithKline for exposing their male mice to traces of penicillin that caused them to develop tumors.
Another lawyer involved is Theodore Shaw. He is an environmental attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Association.
Shaw is primarily representing plaintiffs in lawsuits that focus on environmental issues. In addition, he is pursuing litigation on behalf of endangered species. One of the issues he is handling is a lawsuit against the tobacco giant Philip Morris. In that case, he is representing farmers and ranchers who are challenging the tobacco firm’s use of antibiotics in raising and selling farm animals.
Currently, the verdict in the USP Labs lawsuit is expected any day. We’ll keep you updated as it unfolds. (You should subscribe to the lawsuit blog for notification of any updates in this case.) In the meantime, there’s no reason not to check out the case for yourself.
